Negotiating a fair pay deal

I'm a firm believer in 'if you don't ask, you don't get' and well, I asked, and I got - hurrah!

As you're probably aware, yesterday I was trying to strike a pay deal for a job which I'd been offered. And I've scooped it - YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYY! So, now (not wanting to jinx things before the contract is signed) I have a new (and exciting) permanent job, closer to home and for more take home. Bring it on!

My advice to anyone who thinks they're being short-changed on the salary front. . ?

1.) Ask! Whether you're trying to negotiate more pay in your current job or a new one, I'm living proof that sometimes it pays to be cheeky!

2.) Ask for a bit more than you actually want. My rule of thumb is to ask for £1k more than what I'd be happy with. If they shave some money off the final amount you'll still be happy and you never know they might go for your original request!

3.) Think about what you're going to say, whether it's going to be face-to-face negotiations, or an emailed request, think about what you want to say and what points you can use to 'sell yourself'. Chances are you'll need something stronger than 'I've been here for a year'. Mention specific achievements, any substantial cost-savings you have made, and if it's a new workplace any benefits which you may have to give up by moving jobs (e.g. your new job may not offer private healthcare, only you can decide if this is a deal breaker, but you may be able to use the loss of this as a reason to increase your salary).

3.) Inflation can be your friend. I don't advise using this as your sole reason for getting a payrise, but it might be a good way to back up your argument, think: 'With all those achievements under my belt, I feel I am valued member of staff, but as I'm earning the same as I was 12 months ago, I'm not feeling very valued, after all with inflation, in effect I'm actually earning less than I was.'

4.) Be polite - and if they refuse your request be gracious, especially if it's your current place of work as you're still going to have to continue to work with there, so be be professional!

5.) Are there other benefits you could negotiate for instead of a payrise? Working from home? Flex-time? Healthcare? Financial support to complete a professional qualification? Your employer may see this as a more viable investment and you're certain to reap the rewards.

Remind me to tell you about my money saving masterplan tomorrow.

Money spent:
£1.99 lunch
Money saved:
Nil
Money made:
Nowt - unless you count negotiating a pay rise!