Negotiating Wages

Negotiating hourly wages can be quite stressful; however as with all areas of the job search process you can reduce your stress and improve your negotiating power by being prepared. Keep in mind that many hourly jobs offer a preset hourly rate. However, you should still be comfortable with the compensation offered, or be ready to negotiate, if necessary. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

Before the Interview

• Do your research on the specific industry. There are many online sources that can give you guidance on what you can expect to earn in a specific industry (i.e. retail or food services).
• Ask family and friends who work in the industry in which you are interested.
• Review the minimum wage laws for your state.
• Consider your level of experience in the job that you are applying for. Do you have years of solid experience or is this your first job? If you are experienced, be prepared show examples or job history to demonstrate your expertise.

During the Interview

• Leave the wage negotiations until later in the interview process. Wait until you are offered the job, or the employer raises the wage issue, before discussing how much the job pays.
• Remain calm; don’t appear too desperate to get the job. This will improve your bargaining power.
• If asked what your previous pay was, remember to include bonuses, tips and other perks.
• If asked what you expect to earn, provide a reasonable range. This gives you the opportunity to negotiate based on what is included in the overall compensation package.

The Offer

• Consider the total compensation package when deciding if the pay rate is reasonable to you. Does it include healthcare; or tips and bonuses? What about a flexible work schedule?
• Does the job offer you a great opportunity to gain valuable experience or to get your foot in the door? Then you may be willing to take a lower pay rate because in the long run you could make more money.
• Be willing to walk away. If you are not offered a rate that you can be comfortable with, you will be miserable working in the job. It may be better to continue your search or reassess your expectations.