Embracing Awkward Silences
What would you do if I told you that embracing awkward silences can literally make you money? πΈπ€«Donβt get me wrong, negotiating your salary can seem like an intimidating process, but it's a crucial step in getting paid fairly. And the best way to do it? Embracing awkward silences.
Hereβs where most people go wrong. They negotiate like this ππ»
βπ©πΌβπΌ: βWell, I wanted to see if you all could raise the offer a few thousandβ¦ but I know the market is competitive right now so itβs okay if not..β
βπ§π»βπΌ: βIβd like to counter at $50,000β¦ but if you can just do $45,000 that works too!β
βπ¨π½βπΌ: βI know this is a competitive role so Iβd like to negotiateβ¦ but Iβm also happy with the offer as is!β
βπ¨πΏβπ»: βAre you able to do $65,000β¦? Itβs ok if not I just figured Iβd check!β
Sound familiar? Then stop βπΌπ
πΌββοΈ These methods are getting you nowhere.
In salary negotiation, silence is often misunderstood or avoided altogether. But embracing them will give you the strategic advantage you didn't even know you needed π°β¨ Hereβs why:
π¬ Creates Discomfort: Awkward silences create a sense of discomfort, prompting the other party to fill the void by making concessions or offering a higher salary.
π©βπΌ Demonstrates Confidence: By remaining silent, you display confidence and control, signaling that you are prepared to wait until a satisfactory offer is presented.
βπΌ Encourages Counteroffers: Silence invites the other party to reconsider their initial offer and potentially propose a higher salary or better benefits.
π Shows Value: When you stay silent, you communicate that you value your skills and contributions, conveying the message that you deserve fair compensation.
So say exactly what you want and then be quiet for like 30 seconds π€«π€ Let them think and talk themselves into it.
Still not convinced? To illustrate the power of embracing awkward silences in salary negotiation, let's dive into a sample skit ππΌππΌ
π©πΌβπΌCandidate (C): Thank you for considering me for this position. I'm excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute my skills and experience.
π§πΎβπΌHiring Manager (HM): We're impressed with your qualifications, and we'd like to offer you a starting salary of $60,000.
π©πΌβπΌC: Thank you for the offer. I appreciate your confidence in my abilities. Are you able to send the offer in writing so that I can review it?
π§πΎβπΌHM: Sure, just sent!
π©πΌβπΌC: Hi, thank you again for your offer, Iβm so excited to join the team! After reviewing the details, I was expecting a salary more in the range of $75,000 to $80,000. Considering my proficiencies in x, y and z, I bring much more to the role than a standard editor.
β¨[Silence]β¨
π§πΎβπΌHM: Well, that's higher than what we initially had in mind. Let me see what I can do.
π©πΌβπΌC: β¨[Silence]β¨
π§πΎβπΌHM: Okay, I can see that this is important to you. Let me discuss this with my team and see if we can meet your expectations. Would you be willing to compromise at $70,000?
π©πΌβπΌC: β¨[Silence]β¨
π§πΎβπΌHM: Alright, we can offer you a salary of $72,000. Would that work for you?
π©πΌβπΌC: Thank you for considering my request. I would feel more comfortable with a salary of $75,000. Can we meet halfway at $73,500?
β¨[Silence]β¨
π§πΎβπΌHM: Okay, we can agree to that. $73,500 it is.
π©πΌβπΌC: Thank you. I'm excited to accept this offer and contribute to the success of the team.
Embracing awkward silences can be a powerful technique in salary negotiation. Yes theyβre uncomfortable, but stay calm, patient, and focused on your desired outcome. You wonβt be thinking about 30 seconds of awkward silence when youβre cashing +$300 π€πΈ more dollars each paycheck! So remember your value and advocate for fair compensation with confidence and assertiveness.
You got this! π
If you're looking for more job searching tips, be sure to check out my Career Workshop Intensive, a 4-part program designed to help you land a job you love ASAP. π