10 Powerful Tips for Your Next Salary Negotiation

Navigating the job market in Nigeria can be a daunting task. With a competitive environment and economic challenges, it’s crucial to have solid negotiation skills to secure a fair compensation package. 

This article will provide you with ten insider tips to help you negotiate the best salary in your next job.

Know Your True Market Value

A common mistake many job seekers make is not knowing their true market value. According to a survey by Nairametrics, over 50% of employees in Nigeria feel underpaid. To avoid falling into this category, it’s essential to do your homework. Use salary reports from reputable websites like MySalaryscale and Payscale to understand the average pay for your role, experience level, and location. This will give you a strong baseline for negotiations.

For instance, if you’re a social media manager with five years of experience in Lagos, the average monthly salary ranges from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000. If you’re offered less, you can confidently negotiate for a higher salary, knowing that your request is backed by data.

Look Beyond Base Salary

When negotiating your salary, it’s important to consider the total compensation package. 

This includes your base pay plus allowances and benefits such as healthcare, car allowance, annual bonus, paid leave, and remote work options. 

These benefits have tangible value and should be factored into your negotiations.

For example, if you’re offered a base salary of ₦350,000 plus ₦50,000 in allowances, your total annual compensation would be ₦400,000. Therefore, when negotiating, you should base your discussions on the total value, not just the base salary.

Start High, But Stay Realistic

When entering salary negotiations, it’s advisable to start by asking for a salary that’s 10-20% above your minimum acceptable amount. This strategy leaves room for compromise without selling yourself short. However, it’s important to ensure that your initial ask isn’t drastically beyond the industry average. For example, asking for ₦500,000 when the industry average is ₦250,000 could erode your credibility and harm your chances of securing the job.

Provide a Salary Range

Rather than naming a single figure, it’s often more effective to provide a salary range, such as ₦300,000 – ₦380,000. This approach demonstrates flexibility and gives the employer some latitude to make counter offers within that bracket. You should be clear about the lowest salary you’re willing to accept to ensure that your needs are met.

Prepare to Compromise

Before entering negotiations, decide what aspects of your compensation package you’re willing to be flexible on. For instance, if the base salary offer comes in lower than expected, you might consider asking for an additional week of annual leave instead of trying to push the base pay figure higher. It’s important to know your must-haves versus nice-to-haves and be prepared to compromise where necessary.

Convey Confidence

Confidence is key in salary negotiations. You need to believe that you deserve fair compensation before the employer will. When discussing salary expectations, avoid using apologetic language like “I was hoping to get…” or “If it’s possible…”. Instead, use confident phrases that demonstrate self-awareness and assertiveness, such as “Based on my skills and experience, my salary expectation is…” or “I am targeting a salary in the range of ____”.

Do Your Homework

In addition to knowing your market value, it’s also important to research the typical pay at the company you’re interviewing with. Websites like Glassdoor, Nairaland forums, and LinkedIn, as well as professional networks, can provide valuable insights. This information can help you make data-driven arguments during negotiations and increase your chances of securing a salary that matches or exceeds the company’s existing salary bands.

Seek Guidance From Experts

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from professionals in your industry. They can provide insider tips on reasonable salary expectations, industry standards, and effective negotiation strategies. Learning from others’ experiences can be incredibly valuable and can help you avoid common pitfalls

Understand Market Forces

Understanding the supply and demand dynamics for your role in the job market can also give you an edge in negotiations. For example, roles such as software developers and data analysts are currently in high demand in Nigeria, which can tilt the negotiating power in your favor. On the other hand, sectors like Oil & Gas are experiencing layoffs and salary cuts, which can limit your bargaining power. It’s important to know which side of the supply-demand equation you sit on and adjust your negotiation strategy accordingly.

Special Considerations for Remote/Foreign Roles  

If you’re interviewing for remote positions with international companies, it’s important to research the average pay in their home country. Convert this to Naira using the prevailing exchange rates to determine a fair local salary. Also, clarify how they handle payments – whether through direct bank transfers or wire services like Payoneer or Paystack.

In conclusion, salary negotiation is a crucial skill for job seekers in Nigeria. By following these tips, you can approach your next job negotiation with confidence and secure a compensation package that reflects your skills and experience. 

Remember, the key to successful negotiation is preparation, confidence, and a willingness to compromise. 

Good luck with your next job negotiation!