Not only the number of jobs grow in the technology sector. Demand for skilled professionals has been continuously increasing as digital transformation remains a top priority for companies. The number of professionals heading to the IT market has also been growing and this trend is especially true for programmers.
With the increase in positions and constant demand, companies are willing to negotiate salaries in order to not lose hard-to-find talent. This caveat, like any negotiation, means you should have your cards up your sleeve and a lot of knowledge about what you’re doing.
In today’s article, we list some tips on how to negotiate your salary as a programmer. Follow our content and learn more!
Why is it important to negotiate your salary?
As there is no minimum wage for programmers, it is in your best interest to negotiate the salary with the company. This has recently become more frequent due to the IT boom and the growing demand for skilled workers in this field.
There are a few factors that play a key role in defining how much programmers are paid, which include everything from the type of programming language, the size of the project, to how many years of experience they have.
A programmer’s salary is important to a company because it reflects the value of the work he/she does. So, it’s a good idea to negotiate your salary before accepting a job offer.
Research about the average salary of your position
Before asking for a salary, research the market. The average salary varies by the following factors:
- Company size;
- City where the company is located;
- Sector of activity;
- Number of employees.
Also, take the time to list your skills. It is important to analyze what skills employers are looking for. Employers are looking for someone who has strong skills in their respective field and that can demonstrate their ability to communicate those skills effectively.
Some of the questions you should ask yourself are:
- What is your level of domain in software development?
- You have leadership experience?
- What are your strongest interpersonal skills?
- What are your differentials?
Do not mention the expected number
It is common for recruiters to ask what your salary expectation is. A good tip for negotiating your salary as a developer, however, is to withhold this information, as much as possible, as it varies depending on the task at hand.
One strategy is not to mention the absolute value. In that case, share a value range that is a little higher than what you really want.
Promote yourself
Your salary can be based on the impression you make and your performance. Therefore, it is important that you start impressing recruiters based on your portfolio before you even step into the interview.
Keep updated
To be competitive, you need to keep your skills up to date.
Programming languages are constantly changing and will always need to be reviewed in terms of practices, news, and trends. Especially when it is related to Python and Java.
Developers need to have as many skills sets as possible to stay relevant in a changing world. In addition to data science and visualization, mastering machine learning and artificial intelligence is now essential.
Analyze the benefits
Compensation is not just the salary itself. Other elements constitute remuneration, such as health insurance, meals allowance, profit sharing, career plans, among others.
That is, before negotiating a salary, analyze the bonuses and benefits that will increase the total compensation.
Have more than financial objectives
It is important that you show to the recruiter that money is an important factor in your decision, but also that career development, mentoring, and learning are equally important.
Negotiating a salary is not pleasant for most of developers. However, understanding your employer’s needs and wants, being able to articulate how you can help them, and staying calm during the negotiation should allow everyone to leave satisfied: you and the company.
How to make a salary counteroffer?
Salary negotiation is a difficult process. It takes a lot of preparation and practice to make an effective counteroffer.
When an employer makes an offer, it is important to follow up with a counteroffer that is more than just cash. By making your counteroffer including topics like the company’s culture and how you would contribute to it, you will be more likely to get the job.
Below, we list some tips on how to make an effective salary negotiation.
- Know the market and the average salary;
- Set your desired salary range;
- Know the required skills.
Knowing when to stop
If you feel that the employer is not open to negotiations, don’t pressure them. If the conditions are acceptable to you, feel free to accept the job. If not, politely decline the offer.
How to develop an adequate salary expectation?
If in doubt about salary expectations, the most appropriate thing is to ask about the salary range offered before presenting a value. At that point, you will be able to apply your trading salary ranges. Also talk about your skills if you haven’t already.
Also remember the context. Are you craving higher positions? Do you specialize yourself? All of these would be considered in relation to your desired outcome.
What to consider when negotiating your salary?
In addition to increasing your chances of getting the salary you want, negotiation is an important part of our daily lives, and can help you go far beyond financial gains at the end of each month.
Negotiation is a skill you can use to establish partnerships, develop new projects, and even increase your networking. It is a valuable business tool that will allow you to achieve many of your goals.
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