How to handle salary negotiations

Salaries are still a taboo subject in the world of hiring. Overcoming this is key to finding yourself on the receiving end of a better paycheck. Here’s why. 

As recruiters we find ourselves on the frontline of salary conversations on a daily basis. 

For a placement to come together we have to encourage openness on both sides of the table. 

Our role is finding a middle ground in what is in your best interest and what is also in the client’s best interest. It’s a two way street where both sides need to be open from the very start -  transparency breeds trust.

And yet, we also know that talking about money can be awkward. 

It’s made a lot harder when there can also be a great deal of misinformation spread (see point 1 below) when it comes to money and what to expect. 

Spoiler: There are no 50% raises, even here in the Middle East. The industry average is somewhere around a 10-15% raise between positions. 

We’re fast entering a situation where supply is starting to outweigh demand on the candidate side. The market is picking up again and the GCC is proving incredibly popular from talent all over the world.

Pricing yourself fairly going into a new search is starting to become a vital part of the screening process for clients.

So how do you get the best value for yourself in an interview process? Here’s three tips to master the salary negotiation.