Don’t Leave Money on the Table: How to Master IT Salary Negotiation

You’ve got all the right skills for the job, and you can sense an offer looming on the horizon. But there’s actually another skill that factors into the hiring process: the art of salary negotiation.

It can be a tricky road to navigate, as there’s no clear-cut method of getting the highest-paying job on the market. But, you can employ certain strategies to increase the odds of getting the pay you deserve. TriCom is here to walk you through them.

As you speak with various hiring managers, keep these five essential tips at the top of your mind:

Consider the Total Package

Negotiation is about more than just the base salary. It’s about the total compensation package. That includes benefits such as:

These can significantly impact your overall earnings and work-life balance. If you’re taking a job with a pay cut, then how might the benefits package make up for it? Do you get more PTO or better health insurance? The small details add up to a bigger picture.

You should also consider how you’ll add to both your technical and professional skillsets. If you’re learning and growing, then that could be worth taking a bit less money.

Flexibility Is Paramount

The IT job market is tough right now, so be flexible with your rate, and be honest about your expectations. Being too rigid could price you out of a role. Still, our recruiters will advocate for you if we see strong value alignment. We know what you’re truly worth.

Although we’ll do everything we can to guarantee the best rate possible for you, it’s also important to be realistic about your potential earnings. After all, a lower rate than what you expected is better than unemployment.

Get a Lay of the Land

Do research on the market where the job is located. If it’s in a major tech hub, such as San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Boston, or Austin, then you could use that to your advantage to negotiate a higher base salary. Consider your location and what the average compensation is based on your particular locale.

There’s also the cost of living associated with different cities. Many tech hubs tend to have a higher cost of living, but Midwestern metro areas, like TriCom’s home bases in Kansas City and Minneapolis, generally boast lower expenses for affording a comfortable, daily lifestyle.

You can also use different websites to get salary information for the market. Glassdoor, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Indeed are just a few excellent resources for this.

Know Your Worth

When it comes to negotiating your IT salary, you should always know what you’re worth. Ask yourself the following questions:

If you land a position at the company, then think about what you’ll contribute to the team. Talk through those tangible results with the hiring manager to get a leg up in your salary negotiation.

Practice the Job Interview

Here at TriCom, our experienced recruiters can help you understand your position, the typical compensation for the role, and secure the best possible rate. Once we agree on a number, we’ll negotiate on your behalf. But that requires some cooperation on your end, as well.

In order for us to vouch for you, you’ll need to show up to the job interview prepared with thoughtful answers and questions for the hiring manager. You and your designated recruiter can volley back and forth with potential talking points, making sure that you’re able to advocate for yourself in an articulate, confident, and respectful manner.

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When you work with TriCom, you can rest assured that we won’t leave money on the table. It’ll go to you, right where it belongs. You’ll never have to settle for subpar pay. We’re here to help you earn what you deserve.

To get more information now about how our recruiters can assist you with IT salary negotiations, contact us online. We’d love to hear from you.