Getting a good salary when you work abroad is super important. It can mean the difference between just getting by and really being able to support your family back home and build a better future for yourself. This guide is here to help you understand how to ask for more money and get what you deserve. We’ll walk through everything from figuring out what you’re worth to practicing what to say in a negotiation.
Understanding Your Worth: Knowing Your Value
Before you even start applying for jobs, it’s really important to know how much money you should be asking for. You can’t just pick a number out of thin air! Do your homework. Think of it like this: if you want to sell your car, you wouldn’t just say “I want P10,000!” You’d look at similar cars, their condition, and their prices to figure out a good asking price. Same goes for your skills and experience.
One way to find out what people in your field are making is to check online salary websites. Sites like Salary.com or Glassdoor can give you a good starting point. Remember to filter your search by location because salaries can be very different depending on the country or city.
Another thing to look at is the cost of living in the place where you’ll be working. A higher salary might sound great, but if everything costs more – rent, food, transportation – you might not be better off. Websites like Numbeo can help you compare the cost of living in different cities.
Don’t just focus on the monthly salary. Think about the whole package. Are there bonuses? What about health insurance? Housing? Transportation allowance? All these things are part of your compensation and can make a big difference in how much money you actually save.
Finally, consider your experience. If you’re a fresh graduate, you can’t expect to make as much as someone with ten years of experience. Be realistic, but don’t undersell yourself. If you have special skills or certifications, make sure to factor those in. For instance, a caregiver with specialized training in elderly care or a construction worker certified in a particular type of welding can command a higher salary.
Highlighting Your Skills and Experience: Show Them What You’ve Got
Once you know what you’re worth, you need to show potential employers why you deserve it. Your resume and cover letter are your first chances to impress them. Make sure they’re clear, easy to read, and highlight your best qualities. Use strong action words like “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” and “achieved” to describe your accomplishments. Don’t just list your responsibilities; show how you made a difference. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for customer service,” say “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% through implementing a new customer service protocol.”
Think about the specific job you’re applying for and tailor your resume and cover letter to match. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant. If they’re looking for someone with experience in inventory management, and you managed inventory at your previous job, make sure that’s front and center.
Practice telling your story. Be ready to talk about your accomplishments in detail during the interview. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. For example, “In my previous role (Situation), we were facing challenges with low employee morale (Task). I organized team-building activities and implemented a recognition program (Action). As a result, employee morale improved by 20%, and productivity increased by 10% (Result).”
Collect testimonials or letters of recommendation from previous employers or supervisors. These can be valuable evidence of your skills and work ethic.
Negotiating the Offer: Time to Talk Money
So you got the job offer—congratulations! But don’t just say “yes” right away. Take some time to review the offer carefully. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, even if the offer seems good. Remember, the initial offer is almost always negotiable. The company expects you to counter-offer, so don’t feel bad about asking for more.
Before you start negotiating, it’s helpful to know your walk-away point. This is the minimum salary you’re willing to accept. Knowing this will help you stay firm and avoid accepting an offer that’s too low. Also, decide what’s most important to you. Is it the salary? The benefits? The work-life balance? Prioritize your needs so you know where you’re willing to compromise.
When you counter-offer, be polite and professional. Thank the employer for the offer and express your enthusiasm about the job. Then, explain why you’re asking for more. Mention your research about industry standards, your skills and experience, and the value you can bring to the company. Be prepared to provide evidence to support your request. For example, if you’re asking for a higher salary because you have specialized skills, show them certifications or examples of projects where you used those skills to achieve great results.
Don’t just focus on the salary. Negotiate other aspects of the offer, such as benefits, vacation time, and opportunities for professional development. Maybe you can’t get a higher salary, but you can get better health insurance or more vacation days. It doesn’t hurt to ask! You have more chances if you have leverage. For example, if you are talking to other employers too and you have other offers from competing companies, you can explain the situation. They may reconsider your conditions and offer you a better deal.
Be patient. Negotiation takes time. Don’t feel pressured to accept an offer right away. Take some time to think about it and discuss it with your family. It’s a big decision, and you want to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Handling Objections: What If They Say “No”?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the employer won’t budge on the salary. That doesn’t mean you have to walk away. Explore other options. Maybe you can agree to have your salary reviewed after a few months or after you’ve completed a specific project. This shows the employer that you’re confident in your ability to perform well and justify a higher salary later on.
Consider signing bonuses or performance-based incentives. A signing bonus is a one-time payment you receive when you start the job. Performance-based incentives are bonuses you earn if you meet certain goals or targets. These can be a good way to increase your earning potential.
If you’re still not happy with the offer, it’s okay to say “no.” It’s better to turn down a job that doesn’t meet your needs than to accept it and be unhappy. There will be other opportunities. Remember, your skills and experience are valuable, and you deserve to be paid fairly.
Cultural Considerations: Knowing the Local Customs
Negotiating salaries can also depend on the culture of the country where you’re working. In some cultures, it’s considered impolite to talk about money. In others, it’s perfectly normal. Do your research and learn about the local customs before you start negotiating. Some countries are more open and more flexible in talking about money whereas some are more reserved about the topic.
For example, in some Asian countries, it’s important to be respectful and deferential when negotiating with your boss. Avoid being too aggressive or demanding. On the other hand, in Western countries, it’s more acceptable to be assertive and direct. You can ask fellow OFWs or Filipinos, or even your recruiter if you have one, about what to expect and what to consider in terms of negotiating in your target destination.
Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles. Some cultures are more indirect, while others are more direct. Pay attention to nonverbal cues, such as tone of voice and body language. This can help you understand how the other person is feeling and adjust your approach accordingly.
Staying Confident: Believe in Yourself
Negotiating your salary can be nerve-wracking, but it’s important to stay confident. Believe in your skills and your value. Remember, you’re not just asking for money; you’re asking for what you deserve. Prepare thoroughly, practice your negotiation skills and present yourself professionally. If you feel scared or nervous, practice talking with other people. This can help you feel more confident and comfortable when you’re talking to the employer. Visualize your success. Imagine yourself confidently negotiating your salary and achieving your goals. This can help you stay positive and motivated. If you’ve worked hard and put in the research, believe that you have a better chance of getting a higher salary.
Handling Rejection with Grace: It’s Not the End of the World
Not every negotiation will end in success. There will be times when you won’t get the salary you want, or you won’t get the job at all. That’s okay. Don’t take it personally. Learn from the experience and move on. Ask for feedback. Find out what you could have done better. This can help you improve your negotiation skills for the next time.
Maintain a positive attitude. Don’t let rejection discourage you. Remember that every rejection brings you one step closer to success. There are a lot of possible reasons why you got rejected, and most of the time, it is not because of you. Remember that you’ve got skills and competencies, and you are a valuable asset to any company that hires you. Keep practicing, and keep learning. There are so many learning resources that can help you to be better at negotiating and interviewing. Take online courses, read books, or attend workshops. The better you become at something, the higher is your chance of getting a great job with a great salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m afraid to ask for more money?
It’s normal to feel nervous about asking for more money! Many people feel that way. But remember, the initial salary offer is almost always negotiable. A recruiter or a hiring manager expects you to talk to them about it, so don’t feel bad. Practice your negotiation skills with a friend or family member to feel more comfortable. Remember your value and why you deserve a higher salary. Prepare your talking points, come up with specific examples of your achievements. It will add confidence when you’re presenting to the person in charge. The worst thing they can say is “no,” and then you can decide if you still want the job or not.
How much higher should I counter-offer?
This depends on a few factors, such as the industry, the location, and your experience. As a general rule, aim for a counter-offer that’s 10-20% higher than the initial offer. But do your research first to see what’s reasonable in your field and location. You can also start on the high end, then tell them that you are willing to discuss further, provided that other factors like vacation leaves and benefits will be increased.
What if they ask me about my salary history?
In many places, it’s actually illegal for employers to ask about your salary history. However, if they do ask, you can politely decline to answer or focus on your salary expectations for the new role. You can respond by saying that what you were earning from your previous employers are irrelevant, what matters more is what you can contribute to the team and what the value of your talent and skills.
What if I’m not good at negotiating?
Negotiation is a skill that you can learn and improve with practice! Start by researching salary ranges and understanding your value. Practice your negotiation skills with friends or family. Watch videos or read books on negotiation techniques. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. You may also find free courses or workshops that can help you to be skillful in convincing or negotiating, especially if you are looking for a new job or position. There are also books that are available for free, or you can borrow from a nearby library.
Is it better to negotiate in person or over the phone or email?
Many people prefer to negotiate in person or over the phone because it allows for better communication and rapport-building. However, if you’re more comfortable negotiating in writing, email can be a good option. Choose the method that works best for you. For OFWs working overseas, it can be difficult to talk in person so having a call can be a way to negotiate with the employer.
References
- Salary.com
- Glassdoor
- Numbeo
Ready to start your journey towards a better salary abroad? Don’t wait! Do your research, prepare your arguments, and practice your negotiation skills. You deserve to be paid fairly for your skills and experience. Take control of your career and start negotiating for the salary you deserve today. Your family back home is counting on you, and you have the power to make a real difference in their lives. Good luck! Kayang-kaya mo yan!
