The perfect timing 

In addition to regular one-on-one meetings with the direct supervisor, modern companies usually have annual employee meetings in which the previous year is reviewed and common goals for the coming year are set. This could be the ideal moment to talk about money with your supervisor or at least to express the desire for a salary negotiation to set a follow-up date for this. 

Preparation is the key to successful salary negotiation 

Without good preparation, the fight is already almost lost. Therefore, it is important to think about the conversation and your arguments in advance and to define the following: 

• What performances do I bring
• Can I determine a monetary amount for my work in this company?
• Where are my strengths?
• How has my work/responsibilities changed since the last salary interview? 

The answers to these questions can tip the scales in case of doubt and contribute significantly to your success during the negotiation phase, because only those who know their value can stand up for themselves. 

Be prepared for counterarguments and be able to invalidate them 

No matter how well you get along within the company and how friendly your relationship with your supervisor is, you must always keep in mind that this is a salary negotiation in business and emotions play no role. Of course, the other side will try to invalidate your arguments, play things down and possibly criticize you, and you must prepare for this as well as you can. How do you do this?  

Consider in advance what your boss could argue against a salary adjustment, write down all the points you can think of and note down arguments to refute them in turn. This way you can respond to all eventualities and even if you do not need them, you will go into the salary interview with a greater sense of confidence. 

Head up - chest out: appear self-confident! 

Self-confidence is one aspect that can strengthen your negotiating position, and this is best achieved with optimal preparation. Show your superior what your work brings to the company and how important you are for the company's economic success. 

It does not always have to be money - Stay flexible 

If, for whatever reason, your employer is unable to pay you a higher salary, it can pay off to remain flexible: Many companies now offer their employees fringe benefits. These are additional professional benefits, such as the assumption of travel costs, participation in childcare costs, more flexible working hours or special leave, to name just a few.

What employees should not do - Mistakes in salary negotiations

Along with many must-dos, there are of course some don'ts to consider when it comes to salary discussions. These are the things you should avoid: 

Choosing an inappropriate time 

Not every timing is appropriate for asking for a salary negotiation. Do not approach your boss about your request at the Christmas party. If a big client cancelled their contract shortly beforehand, it is likely not the best time either. 

Have not worked out a concrete salary expectation 

Be sure to state a concrete salary expectation, which you can justify with your qualifications and your tasks. Otherwise, you will create a very unprofessional impression. 

Asking for far too much or far too little money 

A completely unreasonably high salary request sheds a similarly bad light on you as an incredibly low one. Stay within a realistic framework and under no circumstances sell yourself under value.  

The foundation for successful salary negotiations 

In summary, it can be said that a salary negotiation and the way to it, requires a lot of sensitivity and should be properly prepared. With the right arguments and a realistic demand, nothing should stand in the way of your desired salary!