Whether you are reaching the offer stages of a job application or are asking for a raise with your current employer, salary negotiations can be tricky. When is the right time to ask, how do you calculate your worth in the job market, and what is the best way to communicate your salary expectations are all common dilemmas. Many women in particular find salary negotiations intimidating so may avoid them altogether.
Devex spoke to Alamelu Deivanayagam, an international human resources and organizational development consultant who is certified by the American Association of University Women as a salary negotiation facilitator to find out the do’s and don’ts of salary negotiations.
When it comes to salaries in global development, look at it holistically, says Deivanayagam. This is especially important for those who are new to the sector. While salaries may be lower than other fields such as the private or financial sectors, the development sector is generally competitive on benefits, she explains, so look at the “total compensation” and be mindful of added benefits such as health insurance, vacation days, and retirement packages.
About the author
Emma Smith@emmasmith_bcn
For four years, Emma Smith covered careers and recruitment, among other topics, for Devex. She now freelances for Devex and has a special interest in mental health, immigration, and sexual and reproductive health. She holds a degree in journalism from Glasgow Caledonian University and a master’s in media and international conflict.
