How to respond to pushback during salary negotiations

How to respond to pushback during salary negotiationsHow to respond to pushback during salary negotiationsWere often told, Women dont ask as partial justification for the gender pay gap. But when women (or men, for that matter)doask,the answer isnt always going to be Yes.Sometimes, despite negotiating strongly and confidently stating your value to an employer, your manager or a prospective employer may simply push back on your request for the salary that you know youre worth, holding firm to their initial figure.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraHeres what to do if you find yourself getting pushback during salary negotiationsIf you hearThe salary on this position is set by HR- I really cant go up at all.Then try saying something like thisI understand exactly where youre coming from, and what youre saying makes perfect sense. From my perspective, Ive spent a considerable amount of timeresearching the standard salary rangefor this position in our area, and based on my experience level, I do believe that the figure should be a bit higher. Would it be possible for you to share these thoughts with HR and get back to me?Keep in mindTo use this approach, its important to have actually done your research first you need to have hard data to back up your assertions. You might even bring printouts of your findings to your negotiation meeting and provide a copy to the manager, or offer to share a copy with HR.Also, if youre negotiating for a new position, be aware that you should only use this approach if youre willing to risk losing the current offer. If you feel strongly that you wont take the job unless the salary comes up to the level that you want, then this is a great strategy. But if you will be devastated if the hiring team offers the position to someone else who is less picky about salary, then dont use it.If you hearMy hands are tied on the salary- its based o n the corporate band for this level of employee.Then try saying something like thisI definitely understand, and Im wondering if we might be able to make a case together to HR about my unique credentials and experience. Ive done quite a bit in my previous roles that I feel justifies my move into the next salary band.Keep in mindIf you try this, be sure that youre prepared to spell out exactly what youve achieved thatmakes you rise above other candidates. Hard data is critical here- your goal is to be able to quantify your achievements and prove your value through specific accomplishments. For example, if your fundraising efforts grew your departments contributions by 30% last year, be sure thats on your resume and be ready to talk about it in detail.If you hearI cant bump up the salary offer, but we may be able to add a little more vacation time instead.Then try saying something like thisI really appreciate that, and benefits are an important part of the package. But I would be more comfortable if we could find a way to meet in the middle about the salary. Is there any way to find flexibility in that number, given my experience level and strong credentials for the position?Keep in mindAs above, if you refer to your credentials as a bargaining chip, be prepared to showcase specific quantifiable achievements. If you dont win with this salary negotiation and still want the job, all is not lost- you can shift gears tonegotiating for more benefits.Theres no guarantee that any specific negotiation efforts will prove fruitful since the outcome depends on several factors that are not in your control (like the budget of the department and the mood of the manager). But by continuing to push back against salary negotiation pushback,you just might talk your way into the number you want.This article originally appeared on Flex Jobs.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say , study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people