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- Development, design, and marketing roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- US-based startups and tech companies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose freelance or full-time remote work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Work from\u00a0anywhere<\/em> in the world on your terms.
Join Arc now \u2192<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSalary Negotiation at the Interview Stage (Pre-Hire)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, let’s handle the salary negotiation at the interview stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s important to have your numbers ready and also to be ready to negotiate. Note that I didn\u2019t say “stand firm,” because there needs to be room to negotiate on both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Know your numbers, and prepare to be low-balled. Have a strategy in mind. Know where your personal cut-off point resides and how to handle offers below this level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It doesn’t have to end with a “no” and no further discussion. Explaining that the salary rate they\u2019re offering simply doesn\u2019t work for you leaves them with an opportunity for further investigation and discussion. If the interviewer ends proceedings at this point, then you should consider that you may have dodged a bullet. But, if they continue, then they want you and it’s time to negotiate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second point to consider is whether you will start by stating the salary you desire or waiting for them to make an offer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would encourage you to research “anchoring<\/a>.” The first person to say a number creates the anchor, and all negotiation flows from this point. Be the person to drop the anchor<\/strong>. State your desired salary, and then expect them to negotiate from there.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"successful](\"https:\/\/arc.dev\/talent-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/successful-salary-negotiation-1024x683.jpg\")
Stock image of a man showing what it feels like after a successful salary negotiation \ud83d\ude42<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n The value in being the one to drop the anchor is that you’ve set where the bar is, and all further conversations will operate around this number. Any lower offer is an attempt to re-anchor, and it’s up to you how far you deviate from your original anchor point. A key point here is not to be too emotional. If their low offer is far below yours, then it’s probably not meant to be. Knowing your strategy beforehand will prevent you from accepting or considering a salary package you had previously deemed unacceptable. People make crazy decisions in a stressful environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if their anchor is not all that far from where you were hoping, then it’s negotiation time. This portion of the interview, along with everything you say from this point, is not about the money you\u2019ll receive but rather the value you\u2019ll deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why<\/em> are you worth that amount? Market rates and potential offers from third parties are the usual responses delivered at this point, but I encourage you to think differently<\/strong>. If you\u2019re at the stage of talking money, particularly if you\u2019re entering into negotiations, then they want you. It’s time to consider if you want the job. And, if so, how badly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you really want the job, consider lowering your rate closer to the rate on offer. Alternatively, you can say things like, “I’ve really liked everything I’ve heard today. It sounds like a great team and a great project, and I feel I can add a lot of value by …” This is where you insert the evidence of your experience that adds value to this project and this company. All that remains is this tiny, insignificant hurdle of money. Keep in mind: what may seem a large financial gap to you is probably not a lot to a company, especially if they’re wanting to start a long-term relationship with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember to stick to your truths<\/strong>: you are the right person for the job, you\u2019ll fit in well on the team, and the company and future projects benefit by hiring you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, consider that money isn\u2019t the only way to negotiate<\/strong>. If money is a blocker for them, perhaps trade it for time? For example, you could see if working fewer days per week, reduced hours each day, or getting extra time off are an option, instead. Also, if tuition reimbursement or professional development opportunities appeal to you, consider whether that would make up the difference between your two numbers. If so, ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the day, there are no rules here \u2014 all that\u2019s important is that you and the company feel satisfied with your choices<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More<\/strong>: Here are the Most Common Behavioral Interview Questions Asked by Top Tech Companies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"work](\"https:\/\/arc.dev\/talent-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Talent-blog-CTA-banner.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nArc is the best place to find great remote jobs. Find great remote jobs at top startups and tech companies. Freelance and full-time remote opportunities are available.
Sign up here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNegotiating a Salary Increase (Current Employees)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n