How to negotiate your salary for the remote job of your dreams
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Never settle for a salary that doesn't take your value into account. In this guide, we'll show you how to get what you deserve the right way.
Be honest: doesn't the idea of negotiating for a better salary make you feel a little uncomfortable?
You don't want to appear ungrateful or lose the job offer, but you also don't want to underestimate your worth and settle for something you're not entitled to.
This balancing act is even more difficult when you're applying for a job abroad and may never have the opportunity to meet your hiring manager or interviewer in person.
Luckily, there are some smart strategies you can use to ensure this process goes in your favor, and that's exactly what you'll learn in this guide. We'll even show you how to negotiate your salary via email using our free template.
Before you grab this, let's set some ground rules:
6 do's and don'ts for salary negotiations
Whether you're applying for a job abroad or in an office setting, you should know these basic salary negotiation tips:
Don't bring up the salary issue first
Some hiring experts believe that mentioning your salary expectations shows that you are less interested in the job and only care about the paycheck. Others say that if you state your salary expectations first, you might be shooting yourself in the foot by giving a number that's too low.
That's why everyone agrees that you should try not to broach the subject of salary first.
Don't assume that your previous salary should be your new salary
Those : remoters.net
During the interview you will sometimes be asked what you earned in your previous positions. You should answer this question honestly, but also make it clear that you are not sure whether this amount can be transferred to the new position.
It is important to emphasize that you need to know the specifics of the tasks and other important details before you can settle on a number.
Your tasks in the new role may be completely different or more difficult, so it would be pointless to use your previous merits as a benchmark.
Do your homework
Having as much information as possible about the position will help you accurately assess what a fair wage looks like.
Before the interview, try to find out the price of the position you have applied for. The prices for remote jobs often differ slightly from those for permanent positions. So it's worth getting some perspective before you say something completely inappropriate.
Location can also play a big role in your salary negotiations abroad.
Even if you live in an expensive place with high salaries, a company far away may not be able to meet your needs. So you need to adjust your salary expectations or be prepared to quit the job if the company can't meet them.
Consider how your experience, recent positions, and comfortable living requirements contribute to placing you in this average range.
Include a salary range
Ideally, you should wait to state your salary expectations until you find out what the position will cost. But when a hiring manager asks you what you expect to earn, you may feel cornered and have to give a specific number.
In such cases, it's best to provide a salary range and let the interviewer know that you'd like to learn more about the position before committing to a specific number.
Your salary range includes a minimum - the amount you can't go below - and the amount you ideally want to earn. You can then use this to determine what you are willing to accept.
Here is an example of how you should answer this question:
"Based on what we discussed and my previous experience, I would consider a salary in the range of $XX,XXX to $YY,YYY. Is this close to what this position might pay? Before I commit to a number, I would like to know more about what the position entails.
Don't be afraid to ask questions in the interview
Those : getfive.com
It's important to ask the right questions about the actual requirements of the job to determine your salary expectations. Averages are one thing; what is actually expected of you may give a better indication of what fair compensation means.
So try asking questions like these during your interview:
- Can you describe my everyday tasks?
- What tasks will I have?
- How many projects will I manage per week? Per month?
- Will I be managing other people besides myself and my own work? If yes, how many people?
- Am I expected to be on call or available after work, on weekends, on holidays, etc.?
The answers to these questions will help you understand the full scope of your responsibilities, which should make it easier for you to define your minimum wage requirement.
Don't talk your way around a good salary; know your worth
Let's face it: When it comes to salary negotiations, we are often our own worst enemy.
But remember: Just because you earned a certain salary in a previous job doesn't mean you're locked into that number forever. Changing jobs is the best way to get a significant raise, especially if you were underpaid to begin with.
Think about it: Since your last salary negotiation, you've most likely gained experience, probably learned additional skills, and maybe even went back to school to acquire a few additional skills.
So know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth.
How to negotiate your salary in an email template
Let's say you received an offer for a remote job (congratulations!), but the salary isn't what you hoped or expected. You need to learn how to negotiate your salary over email to avoid rejecting the initial offer.
Follow this email template to initiate negotiations:
Dear [HR Manager],
Thank you for considering me for [the position] and making me a job offer. I am very grateful to you and excited for the opportunity to work with you and the [Company Name] team!
Before I accept your offer, I would like to say something about the salary you suggested.
Unfortunately, I cannot accept the position at this salary and I was hoping that we could agree on a different figure that would be acceptable to both of us.
After researching the position in more detail and hearing what the position entails, I would feel more comfortable accepting the position with a salary of [insert desired salary].
To give you a better idea, I would like to show you how I arrived at this number:
- [List your experience and explain how you can be useful for this position]
- [Include what the salaries for this position are based on your research and why your experience justifies this salary amount]
- [Supporting elements that may be relevant to justify this salary]
I'm really excited about this position and the idea of working with you and your team and look forward to finding a solution.
If you need anything else from me, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Thanks again!
Best regards,
[your name]
You'll notice that this sample email not only asks for a higher salary, but also explains why that number would be justified based on your research and isn't just a made-up expectation.
It also mentions that you appreciate the offer, are excited about the opportunity to work with the team, and hope to find a solution (i.e. continue the conversation/negotiation).
A hiring team can't fault you and will adjust their considerations based on your strengths.
Since you already know your minimum salary expectations, you can easily decide whether the counteroffer is worth accepting the job or whether you need to apply elsewhere.
Final Thoughts on Salary Negotiation for Remote Workplaces
Those : turing.com
To get the highest possible salary for any field service position you are applying for, you need to prepare well before the interview.
At a minimum, research the average salaries for the position, consider what you hope to earn, and check whether your expectations are realistic and can be met by an outside company.
Instead of settling for an offer or accepting one that isn't high enough, consider using the salary negotiation email template we've featured in this guide. You should at least get close to a number that both you and your future employer are happy with.
