You're an expert in Engineering Management, but how do you negotiate a salary or raise?

3 Practice your pitch

One of the most important skills for any salary negotiation is communication. You need to be able to articulate your value proposition, justify your request, and handle objections and questions confidently and respectfully. To do this, you should practice your pitch in advance, either by yourself or with a trusted friend or mentor. You should rehearse how you will introduce your desired salary, highlight your achievements and impact, address any gaps or weaknesses, and respond to common scenarios and challenges. You should also practice your body language, tone, and eye contact, and avoid using filler words, apologies, or vague statements.

4 Choose the right time and place

Timing and setting can make a big difference in the outcome of your salary negotiation. You should try to choose a time and place that is convenient, comfortable, and conducive for both parties. For example, you might want to avoid scheduling a negotiation right before a deadline, during a crisis, or after a negative feedback. You might also want to avoid negotiating over email or phone, unless it's unavoidable, and opt for a face-to-face or video meeting instead. You should also be respectful of the other person's time and availability, and confirm the meeting in advance.

5 Negotiate with confidence and respect

Once you're in the negotiation, you should aim to establish rapport and trust with the other person, and show that you're interested in finding a mutually beneficial solution. You should start by stating your desired salary, along with a brief summary of your rationale and evidence. You should then listen actively to the other person's response, and acknowledge their perspective and concerns. You should avoid being defensive, aggressive, or emotional, and instead focus on finding common ground and addressing the value you bring to the table. You should also be prepared to make concessions, ask for clarifications, and propose alternatives, if needed.

6 Follow up and finalize

After the negotiation, you should follow up with the other person and thank them for their time and consideration. You should also restate your agreement or understanding, and ask for a written confirmation or offer letter. You should review the details carefully, and make sure that they match your expectations and verbal agreement. If you have any questions or concerns, you should raise them as soon as possible, and seek clarification or revision. You should also be ready to accept or decline the offer, depending on your satisfaction and alternatives. You should do this politely and professionally, and express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?