Starting a new job is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking. One of the most important things you’ll need to do is negotiate your starting salary. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you’re in a strong position. According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average starting salary for college graduates is $55,260. However, this number can vary significantly depending on your field of study, experience, and location.
How to Negotiate Your Starting Salary
1. Research and Gather Information.
The first step to negotiating your starting salary is to do your research. Find out what the average salary is for similar positions in your field and location. You can use websites like Glassdoor and Salary.com to gather this information. These websites allow you to search for salaries by job title, company, and location.
2. Determine Your Target Salary.
Once you have a good understanding of the average salary for similar positions, you need to determine your target salary. This is the salary that you’re willing to accept. When determining your target salary, you should consider your experience, skills, and qualifications. You should also consider the cost of living in your area.
3. Write an Effective Email.
Once you know your target salary, you need to write an email to your potential employer. In your email, you should state your target salary and provide a brief explanation of why you believe you’re worth this amount. Below is a sample email that you can use as a template:
Subject: Negotiation for Starting Salary
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [position name] position at [company name]. I have been following your company’s work for some time now, and I am impressed with your commitment to [company mission]. I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team.
I have been working in the [industry name] industry for [number] years, and I have a proven track record of success. In my previous role at [previous company name], I was responsible for [list of responsibilities]. I consistently exceeded expectations and was recognized for my contributions to the company.
I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to [company name]. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. I am also a team player and I am eager to learn new things.
I am seeking a starting salary of [target salary]. I believe that this is a fair salary given my experience and qualifications. I am open to negotiating this salary, and I am confident that we can reach an agreement that is fair to both parties.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Be Prepared to Negotiate.
It’s important to be prepared to negotiate when discussing your starting salary. This means being willing to compromise and accepting a salary that is slightly lower than your target salary. However, you should also be firm in your resolve and not accept a salary that is significantly lower than what you’re worth.
Conclusion
Negotiating your starting salary can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you’re in a strong position. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of getting the salary you deserve.
4 Useful Tables
| Salary Percentile | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $45,000 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,260 |
| 75th percentile | $65,000 |
| 90th percentile | $80,000 |
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | $61,720 |
| Engineering | $60,290 |
| Business | $55,190 |
| Healthcare | $54,720 |
| Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New York City | $67,570 |
| San Francisco | $67,280 |
| Boston | $65,870 |
| Seattle | $64,950 |
| Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years | $50,000 |
| 3-5 years | $57,000 |
| 6-10 years | $65,000 |
| 10+ years | $75,000 |
