PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

By Erin Wolfram and Melissa Johnson

Have you ever asked for a raise or tried to negotiate a better job offer ? According to a recent survey by the staffing firm Robert Half Talent Solutions , just over half ( 54 %) of workers said they attempted to negotiate their salary during their last job offer . In addition , 70 % of hiring managers said they expect candidates to negotiate job offers . Whether you are applying for a new job or have been working for the same employer for several years , do not be afraid to negotiate a higher salary if and when you feel it is warranted . The key to a successful outcome is preparation , research , and timing . Some tips to help you effectively navigate the salary and raise negotiation process are as follows :

PART 1 : NEGOTIATING SALARY DURING THE HIRING PROCESS A prospective job change can be exciting , but it can also be stressful . Because so many unknowns exist when making a professional move , it is important to weigh the pros and cons to make a well-informed

decision . One of the deciding factors regarding an individual ’ s decision to accept or reject an offer often is the salary associated with the new position , which may be something you can influence . The salary negotiation process can seem daunting , but it is a crucial part of any job search . The following tips will help you be prepared the next time you consider a job offer .

1 . Research your industry and current salary trends . When preparing to negotiate , it is imperative to determine the typical salary range for the position you have been offered . Use online tools such as Salary . com , Payscale , Glassdoor , and LinkedIn to search similar salary ranges for job titles related to the position . Also , remember , salary is typically associated with years of experience and level of education ; therefore , make sure you access salary data that aligns with your qualifications .

The type of facility can also impact salary . For example , a director of grounds managing the property of a small college , typically , will be paid less than a director of grounds within a Major League Baseball organization . To help you gather comprehensive information , it is also recommended that you search for other job postings with a similar title in an equivalent organization to find comparable salaries . You may find such positions listed on the STMA job board ( https :// www . stma . org / jobboard ) or resources such as Indeed . com or LinkedIn .

Tip : Avoid negotiating any part of the salary or benefits package until after you have received a formal job offer .

2 . Thoroughly review the benefits package . While base salary is important , benefits can make a significant impact on total income and your overall wellbeing . If you currently hold a position , compare the entire offer to your existing package and expenses .

For example , organizations may :

Offer health insurance at a rate higher ( or lower ) than your current employer

Provide a vehicle and / or phone that can , within reason , also be used

14 SportsField Management | December 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com