Whether it’s in a job interview or during a performance review, the skill of negotiating is something every employee, sole trader or small business owner should know.

  • Understand your value

Begin by conducting thorough research into prevailing industry standards and average remuneration for your role. A comprehensive understanding of your market worth provides the foundation for your negotiation strategy.

  • Showcase your achievements

Compile a detailed list of your accomplishments, focusing on the ways you’ve positively impacted your workplace. By presenting tangible evidence of your contributions, you can effectively demonstrate your value to your employer.

  • Do your homework

Research the average salary for your job position in your area, the industry you work in, and the company you work for. Don’t underestimate the value of market research as it can help you to understand what salary and benefits to ask for.

  • Pick the right time

If you’re looking for a pay rise or want to increase your hourly rate with a client, timing is everything when it comes to negotiations. Pick a time that’s appropriate – such as performance review, or during your yearly appraisal or if there’s a significant change within the company, like a winning bid, new client, or promotion.

  • Prepare talking points 

Figure out what you’d like to say before discussing your goals. Write your goals and key messages down in bullet points can help you be concise and get to the point.

  • Highlight your skills

Highlight specific skills that have significantly contributed to your company’s achievements. Emphasise your unique strengths, which set you apart in your field.

  • Be confident – but not arrogant 

Articulate your accomplishments modestly. Provide evidence of the value you bring, but don’t take credit for accomplishments that aren’t yours.

  • Don’t get personal

When negotiating pay and conditions, don’t get personal. Stick to the facts and discuss your qualifications, skills and how you contribute to the company.

  • Listen

During negotiations, actively listen to your employer’s viewpoint. Understanding their needs and concerns enables you to tailor your approach and find mutually beneficial solutions.

  • Be open-minded and flexible

There’s a chance your employer may not come back to you with what you’re asking. Try being open-minded and flexible with their response. Be creative and look for other ways to benefit from the company, like extra days off, flexible working hours, extra training and development or even share options.

  • Increase your qualifications

Increasing your qualifications relevant to your career can make you significantly more valuable to your employer, and increase your chances of getting a pay rise or better paying clients.

Fast track your qualifications with RPL

If you’re working full time, chances are you don’t have a lot of wiggle room to fit study into your busy schedule. That’s where Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) comes in. It’s a streamlined way to validate your experience and get the qualification you deserve, increasing your credibility and marketability in a competitive job market. You save time and money as you bypass the need for studying subjects you’ve already mastered in your field

By partnering with Skills Certified, you can fast-track your career with a nationally recognised qualification without having to study the things you already know. Our dedicated team will review your skills, aligning them with a qualification that best compliments your career experience and future aspirations. To substantiate your skill set, we’ll help you put together a robust portfolio of evidence, demonstrating your capabilities to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Our partner RTO will issue you with a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to those obtained through conventional study methods. Making the most of RPL can significantly propel your career, opening doors for better pay, enhanced job roles, and greater opportunities for progression.

Ready to get your hard-earned skills and experience work for you?

Take our FREE 60 seconds skills check to find out if you’re eligible for RPL.