Five ways to seek pay hike at interviews

Professionals often move jobs for monetary gains, but it takes deft handling to negotiate a good deal from a prospective employer.

Professionals often move jobs for monetary gains, but it takes deft handling to negotiate a good deal from a prospective employer. ET explores how.

DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE

Know all you can about the company and market. "In existing market conditions a compelling offer could mean a hike of 15%-25%," says Dhruv Desai, HR head at Angel Broking.

THINK BEYOND MONEY

Recruiters are put off when professionals mention compensation as the driving factor. Employees should instead focus on the new role, says Rahul Taneja, senior VP and head, corporate HR at Essar.

HIGHLIGHT HOT SKILLS

Emphasise your unique skills with examples of how it has helped your company. Employers are willing to pay for such candidates.

AVOID COMPARISONS

Quoting existing salaries and bringing along offer letters from a third company is in bad taste," says Desai.

REVIEW THE OFFER

The biggest mistake employees make is to accept whatever offer they receive, writes Dr Randall S Hansen, founder of career development portal Quintessential Careers. "Most employees take time to decide upon an offer and get back in a few days. This approach is understandable," says Desai.