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When you are on a job search, you already have a salary in mind. You come to a number after evaluating how much you need for rent, miscellaneous expenses and cost of food and groceries, etc.
However, even after you have aced the interview and get the job offer, the company might offer you a salary below your expectations. A lot of people faced with such a situation either reject the job offer or, if they are desperate, end up taking the job with less pay.
What people don’t realize is that you are supposed to negotiate with the company to increase the pay they are offering. In fact, the company might intentionally offer less initially as they expect you to negotiate.
Strong negotiation skills will always come in handy in your career. They will be useful not only while you are searching for a job, but also when you start at the job. There are also other skills that will help you negotiate successfully. These skills can be developed with practice over time.
Negotiation skills will help you succeed at work by helping you reach your goals and effectively get work done. They will help you collaborate with people who have different opinions, ideas and priorities.
Here are some of the skills you need to be able to negotiate successfully:
Active Listening
While negotiating, it is essential to pay attention to what everyone is saying. Often when we are nervous or too focused on our agenda, we stop listening to what other people are saying.
To properly listen, take a pause when the other person has stopped speaking. Think about what they said and repeat back what you have heard.
Repeating what the other person is saying will not only help you understand their points, it will also show that you are following their words carefully.
Reading Body Language
It is essential to pay attention to people’s body language while negotiating. Reading body language will give you valuable clues about the thoughts and feelings of the people you are interacting with.
For instance, if they wrinkle their brow, cross their arms or frown, that means they are not in an agreeable state.
Also, remember to keep your facial expressions and body language neutral during the meeting. Maintain eye contact and keep smiling.
Try to sit beside the person instead of opposing them, demonstrating that you are on the same team. If it’s a virtual meeting, make sure cameras are open so that you can read their body language.
Persuasion
Being persuasive is very important if you want to negotiate for a promotion, better pay or more benefits. You will need a compelling reason, and then you will have to convey that reason in a way that will resonate with your audience.
Be articulate and paint a picture with your words so that they will be able to see your vision. Also, make sure you have facts to back up any claims you make in the meeting.
For instance, if you are negotiating for a promotion based on your storytelling skills, you will have to convince your manager that your skills are indispensable for the success of your department.
Emotional Intelligence
Negotiation requires empathy, self-awareness and the ability to recognize the emotions of the people you are dealing with. You should also be able to regulate your own emotions.
For instance, if your boss is distracted or flustered, this might be a signal for you not to disturb him with any non-urgent matters. If you have some requests, it might be better to wait for a few days.
A good negotiator stays calm at all times. It is essential to stay positive even if things don’t go your way. Emotional intelligence will also help you negotiate while keeping a cool head.
Ability to Communicate in a Succinct Manner
Inexperienced people end up sharing too much information while negotiating. This might be because they are nervous or rattled.
Keep your answer succinct and to the point when someone asks you something. There is no need to give any additional information. In fact, additional information might end up hurting your case.
For instance, if you need to convince your manager to let you work four days a week, you should stick to the facts. Explain your reasons and let him know how you will be able to be more productive in a four-day week. End the pitch with your strongest point to leave a good impression.
Conclusion
Negotiating skills will be helpful to you throughout your career. There are other skills that you can develop to improve your negotiating ability. Have you ever had to negotiate for an increase in salary or a promotion? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.
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