A lot of Nigerians are currently putting in a lot of work because their salary is worth it. It can be overwhelming to take a job that does not pay a good salary and this is why salary negotiation is an important part of the hiring process. The purpose of negotiating your salary is to ensure and assure the hiring team that you are bringing proper value to the organization. However, discussing salary is a sensitive topic during the hiring process. It’s essential to approach salary discussions carefully and at an appropriate time. You need some tips and we have prepared these for you:
Salary Negotiations should not stop at the numbers
Salary negotiations should not only be about the number of naira or dollars you are getting at the end of the month. Ask about the full compensation package – health coverage, work flexibility, transportation allowance, and all the perks that’ll enable you to make the most of your income. If the organization has a staff bus that transports workers to and from the office, this means that employees don’t have to spend the bulk of their income on transport, which really does make sense.
Do not disclose your current salary unless you really do not have a choice
Never fall for the idea of having to disclose your current salary whenever you are looking to get a new job. Instead, focus on discussing the salary range you can work with based on your experience, skills, and market values for the position. Telling the hiring manager about your previous or current salary may limit your ability to negotiate as you want. So, except you don’t have a choice, don’t do it.
If you work remotely, negotiate internet cost
It’s a different thing if you work from the office because, usually, the internet in most offices is free. But if you are working from home, negotiating for coverage or reimbursement of internet expenses is a valid aspect of remote work negotiations. Discuss an arrangement where the company covers a portion or the entirety of your home internet costs, especially considering the increased usage and reliance on a stable internet connection for remote work.
Confirm the monthly net income before you finally agree
Ask questions about deductions, taxes, and any other contributions that will affect your take-home pay. Confirm every single thing that you do not understand, be sure that you are clear on how it works and how it impacts your monthly earnings. It is essential to do this to prevent surprises and see that you are satisfied with the financial terms of the employment.
You can talk to an approachable person
Getting a hint might go a long way in helping you negotiate. If you are closer to anyone in the office environment who has good information, you can just ask questions. Also, it could be someone who has worked the role in the same company; it may be quite uneasy to find these people or even make them divulge such information to you. But, if you are lucky enough, use the information well.
