Software developers are integral to just about every industry. Whether you’re looking for your first dev job or veteran switching companies, salary negotiation is intimidating but necessary. Before you walk into your following interview or performance review, use these 13 tips to get the pay you deserve.
1. Research Salary Averages
If you Google “software developer average salary,” you’re going to get quite the range of numbers. For instance:
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary for a software developer as about $110,000/year.
- US News gives about the same salary average.
- Salary.com lists the average as about $72,000.
- Glassdoor (sign-in required) lists it as about $98,000.
These numbers differ because some look at software developers as one big group while others take location, education, and experience. You should consider those differences, as well. Because the numbers fluctuate, approach every interview and negotiation with updated information.
2. Don’t Give a Range Immediately
Don’t share it immediately if you’ve done your research and established a reasonable range. Kindly let recruiters know that you are flexible but not prepared to give a range yet.
That being said, after the initial interview phase, when you’ve learned a bit more about the company, give the higher end of your salary range. Remember, it’s easier to go down than up in salary negotiation.
3. Establish How Low You Can Go
After considering your living expenses, establish how low you can go. Don’t share this number with a recruiter, but it’s an excellent way to know when you should walk away. However, don’t burn any bridges. We’ll cover how you can negotiate for better pay next.
4. Play the Field
Because software developers can find work in just about every industry, you have a distinct advantage: options.
If company A gave you a number lower than you hoped for, use your offer from company B as leverage. Let them know you’d be excited to work for them, but you’re considering better offers. This will either price you out of their range or prompt them to give you a better offer.
5. Keep Your CV Concise
Indeed, recruiters and hiring managers sometimes spend as little as six seconds looking at resumes. Companies hiring software developers might spend more time looking over them, but this illustrates one crucial thing: you need to sell yourself quickly.
List accomplishments, work history, certifications, and education easily-scannable format like bulleted lists. Keep sentences and paragraphs short. You’ll have time to explain yourself in an interview.
6. Focus on the Companies’ Needs
Every industry and company has specific needs. While job listings are sometimes vague, find clues about what they actually need. Tailor your resume to them. During interviews, pay attention to what interviewers mention the most.
Whatever skills you have, beneficially frame them specifically to them. This can give you valuable room to negotiate a salary or offer later.
7. Make Interviews Conversations
That being said, treat interviews like honest, professional conversations. Ask questions and stay engaged. Many interview tip lists encourage interviewees to let recruiters do the talking. That’s true to an extent, but guess what? Many interviewers want you to do the talking.
Play into that expectation, but don’t go overboard. Like your resume or CV, your answers should be specific and on-topic.
8. Be Polite and Enthusiastic
You’re not just selling your technical skills — you’re selling yourself as a teammate. Interviewers and recruiters want people with technical prowess who work well with others. Present yourself as knowledgeable but approachable.
A good impression might mean the difference between hiring you and other software developers with similar skills. It may also encourage an employer to give you a better salary.
9. Leave Room To Negotiate
With a stunning resume, excellent interpersonal skills and a salary range in mind, you know what you want. However, don’t rush into an interview or review with demands — actually negotiate. At its core, negotiation involves compromise. Keep your range and lowest possible salary in mind, but let the other party make its case, too.
10. Consider Benefits
It’s easy to get excited when you get an offer for an excellent salary, but don’t forget about benefits. If benefits aren’t great, that salary could quickly dwindle. Always investigate:
- Health insurance
- Retirement
- Bonuses
- Sick leave
- Paid time off
If you’re making great money, but your quality of life suffers from poor insurance or no time off, that high salary might not be worth it in the long run.
11. After an Offer, Clarify Expectations
Let’s say you’ve gotten your dream offer. The salary is at the higher end of your expectations, and you’re on the cusp of accepting it. It’s time to celebrate! However, before taking, make sure you and your potential new employer are on the same page.
During recruitment, an HR or hiring manager may have mentioned how long your working days, your responsibilities and other facets of their work culture. Make sure these promises will be in writing as part of your contract. Your salary is only worth it if employers keep up their end of the bargain.
12. Practice
A little mental preparation is key to practice for an interview or salary negotiation. Consider what counteroffers a company might make and develop polite ways to get closer to the salary you want.
For instance, a company might offer a lower salary based on other employees with your skillset. Prepare to sell yourself a little more complicated and highlight why you’re worth higher pay.
13. Don’t Be Afraid To Follow Up
Don’t be afraid to follow up, whether you asked for a raise and haven’t heard back or are waiting for a follow-up from a recruiter. If a potential new job or pay raise got you excited, you owe it to yourself.
Always do so politely. Hiring managers and HR employees often juggle quite a few responsibilities. A friendly email might edge you ahead of the competition.
Get Your Dream Job Offer
Hopefully, with this advice, you’re feeling more confident in your salary negotiation abilities. As a software developer, you play an essential role in every company, big and small. Harness that confidence to get the salary you want.