10 Tips on How to Negotiate Your Salary As a Computer Scientist

In a perfect world, you would be offered the salary you want, but in reality, it often looks different. Whether you’re negotiating more money or perks in your current business, or trying to find the right deal in a new place, here are 10 tips for IT professionals on salary negotiation.

If you want to know what you can earn as a computer scientist, then take a look at our post on computer scientist salaries. Or take a look at our detailed IT paycheck.
 

1. Make sure your performance deserves a raise

If you are going to try to negotiate a raise, first make sure you can show that it is warranted. One of the biggest mistakes that can ruin a salary negotiation is not having evidence that you are essential to the company. The attitude “I deserve a raise because I am awesome” has no chance of success.

So prepare your arguments and refer e.g. to a particularly successful project in which you played a key role.
 

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2. See the negotiation as a collaboration, not a fight.

If you see a salary negotiation as a way to work with the HR manager or HR department, not against them, you’re more likely to be successful. Never negotiate with either-or rhetoric, but rather in the form of a collaborative process. The interview is a unique opportunity to create a compensation package that makes sense and provides benefits for both you and your employer. Prioritize what is most important to you.

Start the conversation by saying that you are looking forward to “working together” on the topic – one of the best phrases to use in a wage negotiation if you want to be successful.
 

3. Don’t think that you have to reveal your current salary.

It often happens that HR managers ask what you are doing at the moment and what you expect in terms of compensation in your next job. You don’t have to answer that directly. The current salary is actually one of the things that you should never reveal during a salary negotiation with a new employer. Answering this question honestly can make it very difficult for you to negotiate effectively later. As soon as you announce the current or desired salary, the offers you get are very likely linked to these numbers. This can be very expensive if the company offered you a much higher salary than you stated.
 

4. Wait as long as necessary before discussing salary.

In addition to avoiding mentioning a number, you should not have the salary interview too early, but rather delay it for as long as necessary. The longer you wait with the interview, the more time you have to impress the employer with what you said and convince them that you should be paid at the high end of the range they intended for the role. On the other hand, you should of course not wait too long so as not to sell yourself below your value.
Especially in software development, you can shine with the execution of current projects and new implementations. Make sure, however, that you really know, because specialist staff such as department heads with the appropriate know-how are often also involved in the conversation.
 

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6. Let the employer know that you want to take the job.

In the final phase of the negotiations, there is another sentence like: “If you can x, I am ready to accept your offer.” helpful. In this way, the employer knows that you want to take the job, but that you expect a little more. For example, you could say, “I understand you can’t pay my desired annual salary of $90,000. It would be great to have two additional weeks of paid vacation along with the $80,000 you suggested. If you can, I’m on board.”
 

7. Do not use your personal circumstances as a negotiating tool.

It may seem logical to explain your personal financial situation as the reason for the need to make more money. This can also ruin your salary negotiations. Instead of mentioning personal circumstances and financial difficulties, you should create a more convincing argument for a raise. Hard and excellent work is better. The added value for the company towards you is crucial.
 

8. Know your value.

One of the easiest and most effective tools to use in a salary negotiation is information about what others in your position are making. You can find tools on the Internet that, after entering some basic information about yourself and your professional development, will give you a better understanding of your market value. With this knowledge, you can negotiate confidently.
 

 

9. Use your network for research.

Another tool for research is your business contacts. In particular, former employees of companies like to share what they have earned in certain positions. Knowing this, you can earn a salary that you will be much happier with.
 

10. Never apologize.

Negotiating is unpleasant and our natural tendency is to try to smooth over the edges when having a difficult conversation. An apology, however, could signal to the recruiter or hiring manager that you might be willing to take a step back in the salary negotiation. That could be costly. Don’t apologize for the negotiations; they are your right.
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Conclusion

Whether it’s a new job or a raise with your current employer: With a few simple tips, you can go into the salary interview well prepared and confident. Be aware of your strengths and your market value and be open to negotiations. I wish you success!
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