As days passed by, I got closer with my colleagues. During lunchtime, we talked about various stuff, including salary. 

Then, I found that some of my co-workers received a higher wage than me even if we had the same position. 

I asked them about it, and they said they negotiated their salary during the recruitment process. Also, they have years of professional and relevant experience.

After a few years, I resigned from the company, and it has transformed me into a competitive and capable professional. 

The workplace environment was engaging. The managers were empathetic. They always put themselves in our shoes when we encountered some trouble. But my salary was not enough to meet my needs, so I resigned. 

When I applied for another position in a different company, I tried to negotiate my salary. It was uncomfortable and embarrassing. But I get used to it. 

Perhaps, you also feel the same way. Here are some helpful tips I can share with you: 

Identify What You Can Offer

How much value can you offer to your future employer? Do you have three or more years of industry experience? Are you currently pursuing your master’s or Ph.D. degree? Do you also hold other certifications and licenses? Do you possess related and technical skills? Measure and evaluate your credentials before negotiating your salary. 

Do Some Research 

While doing thorough research on minimum wages in your city may appear unnecessary, it will help support a successful and stress-free negotiation. Before, it was daunting to do some research. Today is different. There are websites you can access online with a click of a button. You can gather the correct information within a minute or two. It is convenient, isn’t it? 

Get Ready

The interview is one of the most feared aspects of the hiring process. A recent survey has revealed that 29% of participants said that interviews make them nervous. 

A survey conducted by Salary.com found that nearly 48% of respondents said they are apprehensive in negotiating their salaries, which is not surprising at all. 

If you feel the same way, prepare your talking points ahead of time. Think about your previous roles, skills, expertise, and other things you have achieved. But during the actual process, be spontaneous. Go with the flow. Everything will be all right. 

Rehearse With Your Sibling or Close Friend

After preparing your talking points, it is time to practice with your close friends or siblings to boost your confidence. 

Then, ask for feedback. Be open to constructive criticism. Start again until you achieve your preferred conversation. Remember that you do not need to be perfect. Just be good. Plus, things may not go as planned during the interview. You have to be ready at all times. 

If you feel awkward with a friend or colleague, you can speak in front of a mirror. It helps. 

Be Confident 

When I apply for a vacant position, the interview is one of the challenging stages of any job application. But for many job interviews I have experienced and people I have met in the workforce, my confidence improved. Developing one’s self-esteem is a long process. It is not instant. Facing your fears and exposing yourself to a large crowd may help. 

Is there something you want to add? Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below. I really appreciate it. 

The interview and the entire recruitment do not need to be stressful. Enjoy everything and lower your expectations.