How to negotiate salary during an interview as an introvert can be one of the most challenging things ever. Lots of people find it difficult to ask for a salary increase. They fear the unknown which could be seeming ungrateful, rejection or losing their jobs.
The fear of losing your job, being rejected or being too pushy can leave anyone distraught. Especially introverts who find talking quite challenging sometimes. Some people find it difficult asking for money even when they deserve it.
Where introverts are concerned, this fear is a lot more pronounced. Introverts tend to prefer the solitude of their own company. A lot of them are very shy and avoid confrontation as much as possible.
They find it difficult to even be in the spotlight which keeps them away from a lot of opportunities. But asking to negotiate your salary is very important. You need the money to survive and if you don’t speak up, you can easily be taken for granted.
The anxiety and fear that comes from asking for things needs to be nipped and as an introvert, you need to get what you deserve. As an introvert reading this, here are 5 very important tips to help you.
Five (5) Tips on How to Negotiate Salary During an Interview as an Introvert
1. Confront Yourself
The very first thing you need to do as an introvert anticipating an interview is confronting yourself. Sometimes we never want to do something just out of fear. You’re anxious about the interview and it doesn’t help you might do some more talking.
How to go about this is simple. Get out a journal and write down the things you expect for this interview. Write down the things you do, services you’ll be offering and how much you’d like to earn.
Write down why you need this money and what happens if you don’t. Go through this journal and read it out to yourself. Your heart might be racing but things are in a much better perspective now.
2. Understand You Aren’t Overstepping Your Boundaries
One of the reasons introverted might find it difficult to negotiate salaries during an interview is fear. Not that they are particularly scared of being hurt physically, they just feel like they are overstepping their boundaries.
As an introvert going for an interview or as much as asking for a pay raise, you should know that it is completely normal. Any employer who abuses you for that is the one in the wrong here and not you.
Your anxiety might make you feel like you’re being confrontational but that’s far from the truth. There are various ways to negotiate an agreement. Find what is more effective to you and go with it.
Focus on finding your way of speaking that is true and honest. One thing you might not know is that your employer expects it. And might be disappointed if you don’t put up a fair negotiation.
3. Do Not Forget the Importance of Body Language
The importance of body language cannot be overemphasized. The way you carry yourself conveys a lot of messages before you open your mouth to speak. Introverts usually shut the world out with their bodies by slouching, crossing their arms and looking down repeatedly.
These behaviors can make you seem powerless and insecure. The very last thing you want your employers to feel about you. Your body language says a lot about you.
It is important to look your employer in the eyes when talking to them. Not creepily but enough to have their attention and make they know they have yours.
A lot can change in your life by simply standing tall, making more eye contact, raising your chin high. It doesn’t just make other people around you feel you’re confident. Most importantly it makes you feel powerful.
You can practice your body language as much as you can before an interview.
4. It Is Okay to Talk About Yourself
Introverts find it difficult being in the spotlight. This means they find it difficult to talk about themselves and underplay their achievements. As an introvert wanting to know how to negotiate your salary, you do not want to do this.
It is okay to talk about your accomplishments, what you’ve done and what you’re hoping to do. It is no doubt introverts can be very productive at work. But your employers do not know that till you tell them.
If you do not want to do a lot of talking, you can always fall back on presenting your data to do it for you. This is why it is important to prepare ahead of time. Yes, you do not like talking but your data can do that for you.
5. Use Your Super Powers
How to negotiate salary during an interview as an introvert? Use your superpowers. Introverts are usually overlooked for certain roles because we seem too timid.
It’s okay if you do not want to be a leader, but your salary is very important. And in order to do this, you need to create connections that will last with your amazing listening abilities.
People like to talk and need someone to listen. You can be that person as long as you’re up to it. Remember never to burn yourself out but networking helps in building relationships.
Making new friends can seem like a challenge for you but you need to compromise sometimes. Of course, without never abandoning who you truly are. Connecting helps you know people better.
This can come in handy during confrontations, decision making and so much more.
Conclusion
How to negotiate salary during an interview as an introvert? These steps can go a long way in getting you the figures you need while boosting your confidence and reliability.
Aleruchi is a photographer, writer, designer and an INTJ female. She enjoys telling stories and delivering messages through words, photographs and designs.
