How can you negotiate a higher salary in mobile technology?
Mobile technology is one of the most dynamic and lucrative fields in the IT industry, with a high demand for skilled professionals who can create, design, and maintain mobile applications and platforms. However, not all mobile developers and engineers are paid equally, and you may feel that your current salary does not reflect your value and potential. How can you negotiate a higher salary in mobile technology? Here are some tips to help you prepare, communicate, and succeed in getting the pay raise you deserve.
Before you start any salary negotiation, you need to do some research and analysis to determine your worth in the market. You can use online tools, such as Glassdoor, PayScale, or Indeed, to compare your current salary with the average and range for your role, location, experience, and skills. You can also network with other mobile professionals, recruiters, or mentors to get a sense of the industry trends and expectations. You should also assess your own performance, achievements, and contributions to your employer, and quantify them with concrete examples and metrics. Having a clear and realistic idea of your worth will help you set your salary goal and justify it with confidence.
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First thing first - look in the mirror, imagine that you are brave enough to be precise and brutally honest. Once ready - make a list of things you are already good at and compare with job descriptions out there. Evaluate your performance, achievements, and contributions, supporting them with specific examples and metrics. A clear understanding of your worth builds confidence in justifying your desired salary.
Timing is crucial when it comes to salary negotiation, as you want to avoid asking for a raise when your employer is facing financial difficulties, organizational changes, or other challenges. You should also align your request with your annual or quarterly review, or with a significant accomplishment or recognition that demonstrates your value. Additionally, you should consider the best way to initiate the conversation, whether it is through an email, a phone call, or a face-to-face meeting. You should also schedule the discussion in advance, and give your employer enough time to prepare and respond.
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Beyond aligning with reviews and accomplishments, consider incorporating the company's strategic plans. If the organization is expanding its mobile app portfolio or entering new markets, use this as leverage to emphasize your role in driving such initiatives. Timing negotiations with the company's growth trajectory can strengthen your position.
Salary negotiation can be a stressful and sensitive process, but you should always maintain a professional and positive attitude throughout. You should avoid making ultimatums, threats, or comparisons with other employees, as these can damage your relationship and reputation with your employer. Instead, you should focus on expressing your appreciation, enthusiasm, and commitment to your work, and highlight your strengths, skills, and achievements. You should also be respectful, polite, and courteous, and listen to your employer's perspective and feedback. You should also be prepared to handle objections, questions, or counteroffers, and have a strategy to overcome them.
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Extend your positivity beyond the negotiation table. Share success stories or case studies of projects you've been involved in, highlighting the positive impact on end-users or the company's bottom line. This approach not only reinforces your accomplishments but also showcases your dedication to creating value.
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It's important to have conviction in your decisions. This will empower you to not waver when the time comes to be articulate with your bullet points justifying your worth.
Sometimes, you may not be able to get the exact salary you want, due to budget constraints, company policies, or market conditions. However, that does not mean that you have to settle for less than what you deserve. You can negotiate beyond salary, and explore other benefits and perks that can enhance your compensation package and career satisfaction. For example, you can ask for more flexible hours, remote work options, training opportunities, stock options, bonuses, vacation days, or health insurance. You should prioritize the benefits that matter most to you, and be willing to compromise and trade-off with your employer.
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Salary is one aspect of keeping score and monitoring one's value. However, other areas should be just as important and negotiated with the same tenacity and urgency as salary.
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Think creatively about benefits. Given the IT is associated with all sorts of perks, you might want to ask to extend at least a few of them. Those may include but not be limited to gym membership coverage, taxi to the office, etc. There is a chance the employer will understand that the perks you are asking for will provide a direct positive effect on your productivity.
After you have reached an agreement with your employer, you should follow up and document the outcome of the negotiation. You should send a thank-you note to your employer, expressing your gratitude, excitement, and confirmation of the terms and conditions of your new salary and benefits. You should also ask for a written confirmation or contract that specifies the details and dates of your pay raise and other changes. You should also keep a record of your negotiation process, including your research, goals, strategies, and results, as this can help you evaluate your performance and prepare for future negotiations.
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In your follow-up, express not just gratitude but also enthusiasm for upcoming projects. Share your eagerness to apply your skills in new initiatives discussed during the negotiation. This reinforces your commitment to the company's future endeavors.
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