There are a lot of tips and tricks found on the Internet on how to negotiate for your salary, especially if you are building a long term perspective in your professional career. However, as a Filipino, the challenge tends to be *different.*
Trish Ramirez, a Recruitment Subject Matter Expert in one of the prominent companies in the Philippines, shared with Cosmopolitan Philippines that Filipino employees are often "shy" to ask for a raise due to fear and avoidance of conflict.
"Generally, we feel uncomfortable asserting ourselves in salary negotiations because we fear offending others or appearing overly demanding. We feel like we will come as too "mayabang" if we demand better compensation," Tricia emphasized in an interview.
Filipinos value harmonious relationships and are typically conflict-averse. Negotiating for a higher salary can create tension or discomfort. But do not lose hope because it is not impossible! With the right mindset and proper timing, you can successfully negotiate the salary of your dreams with these moves.
Strategies In Negotiating Your Salary And Advocating For Your Worth
1. Have A Good Understanding Of Industry Salary Standards
Researching goes a long way when it comes to negotiating your salary. It also gives you confidence to persistently advocate for your worth.
According to Trish, you have to look into the "typical salary ranges for similar roles in your industry and geographic area." Career platforms such as Glassdoor, Jobstreet, or Indeed can provide insights into salary trends.
"Once you are done with your research, determine a realistic salary range for your role and experience level. Aim to negotiate within this range," she added.
2. Document Your Achievement And Highlight Unique Skills
You know yourself better than anyone else and having a strong understanding of your achievements, professional experiences, and skills are a key to negotiating your salary and advocating for your worth.
"We tend to miss this part a lot. List your accomplishments, such as successful projects, revenue increases, cost savings, or other contributions. Use quantifiable metrics when possible. Highlight any specialized skills, training, certifications, or experience distinguishing you from other candidates," Trish referred.
Trish said that it is noteworthy to have a great articulation of your skills, experience, and contributions because "you are less likely to doubt your request or back down during discussions and employers are more likely to negotiate if you demonstrate your unique value to the company."
3. Align With Your Career Goals
Does the salary you want align with your career goals? Is it something you can work for in the long term? Because according to Harvard Business Review, knowing your worth starts when you have a clear perspective of your long-term career goals.
Such a position is affirmed by Trish because "it encourages you to consider other aspects of compensation beyond salary, such as career development, work-life balance, and job satisfaction."
4. Start With The Right Timing
Navigating salary negotiations in the Filipino workplace is different to our cultural and workplace dynamics. And in the country, proper timing is everything. A great time to discuss salary may be during performance reviews, turnover of successful project completions, or when the company is doing well financially.
"Timing is crucial. In addition, when you do it, go all out! Be assertive yet respectful when you want to leverage yourself. Approach negotiations with a positive and respectful attitude," Trish stressed.
One should also put great importance on being diplomatic when it comes to negotiation which means understanding the Filipino concept of "pakikisama." It is important to "frame your request in a way that aligns with company goals and maintains good relationships."
Passive and Active Approach
Human resources consultant Rhonadale Florentino, once talked about the "passive" and "active" approaches employees can try when negotiating for a bigger salary—especially when you're at the job offer stage.
The passive approach can be applied during the job interview stage, where the applicant can ask the hiring manager about the prospects of salary increases and other bonuses.
The active approach, on the other hand, requires actual negotiation. When negotiating a salary with the hiring manager, make sure to pitch an amount above your salary expectation. This way, you can still lower the rate and compromise if the hiring manager finds it surpasses what the company can afford, Rhonadale said.
It’s Okay To Feel Nervous But It Is Not Okay To Be Undercompensated
Negotiating your salary and advocating for your worth is indeed a struggle because the "balance between respect for authority, maintaining harmony, and advocating for fair compensation is delicate." But it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.
When it comes to negotiating your salary, it is not just because "mukha kang pera." Your growth and your well-being are on the line. Proper compensation for the work you do goes a long way and it is not something that a person should underestimate.
- With reports from Kate Sarmiento
