Tips for a successful salary negotiation

The best time to negotiate a salary is when you can show a positive balance of your work, for example during a staff meeting. Expansions of the area of ​​responsibility, representation, restructuring or concrete professional successes also offer good opportunities to renegotiate the salary. “Such discussions should not be conducted in a hurry, but rather an appropriate time should be agreed for them, which also allows time to clearly present and discuss the arguments.” “Salary negotiations do not belong in the hallway or in the canteen, nor at the Christmas or company party,” explains Christina Teuchtmann, head of the legal protection department at the AK OÖ.

Prepare convincing arguments

Your own achievements should be clearly and comprehensibly demonstrated, for example through completed projects, measurable results, additional tasks or relevant training. A list can be created and added to over a longer period of time. The benefit to the company should be clearly worked out, according to the union’s advice. This will also dispel any doubts about your own performance or fears about the possible consequences of a salary demand. Objections from the employer can also be refuted with well-prepared counterarguments. It is advisable to practice the conversation situation beforehand with friends or experienced people in order to be able to respond to possible objections with good answers.

Set realistic goals

To set realistic salary targets, it is helpful to find out about the skills that are common in the industry. If the company has a works council, you should ask them how many employees in the company are paid under the collective agreement. In addition, they can usually give a realistic estimate of how much you can ask for, advises the GPA. Platforms with salary calculators or comparisons offer additional information about the disadvantages that are common in the industry.

Consider alternatives

In addition to the basic salary, there are often other negotiable compensation components, such as reduced working hours or additional vacation days. Non-cash benefits such as company cell phones or vehicles, as well as bonuses and rewards for special services can also be part of the negotiations. “It is important to define the necessary criteria so that fulfillment is clearly understandable.” Written documentation of this is advisable, because vague promises are quickly forgotten and cannot be proven,” recommends Christina Teuchtmann from the AK.

No “killer arguments”

The company’s financial situation should also be taken into account in the negotiations; here too, the works council can be asked for an assessment. Regardless of the economic situation, one should keep an eye on the collective bargaining negotiations in the relevant industry. AK expert Teuchtmann warns against personal arguments: “You should avoid statements such as ‘My salary is simply not enough’ or ‘If I don’t get more, I’ll leave’.” That is not productive and will have a negative impact on success.”

Don’t give up

Even if a salary increase is not achieved immediately, the negotiation can still be a success by laying the foundation for future discussions. It is important to put clear agreements in writing after the discussion and to plan further discussions if necessary. A rejected salary increase does not necessarily have to lead to termination, but it can be a reason to reconsider your own prospects in the company.

“You shouldn’t give up if the first interview doesn’t lead to the desired result.” It can be worth persevering, because every interview offers the opportunity to present yourself and your achievements and to request the corresponding salary adjustment again,” says Christina Teuchtmann from the AK.