What can separate you from the rest will then be your intrinsic qualities like communication skills, confidence, courage, determination, etc, which can make you more valuable for an employer than the others in the fray. How would you convey these things to your employer? Well, for starters write down the answers to these questions?

• Can you accurately put a price on your worth as an employee?
• How can you convey your worth to your next employer?
• How does the company pay its employees?
• Can you use the company’s salary logic to your own advantage?

While writing down the answers to these questions you would be faced with some pretty complicated calculations? Here are a few of your inevitable questions with the answers:

If the company has a formal salary structure, would it limit my ability to negotiate a higher salary?

No, though the company sets its basic salary structure based on markets supply of employees with abilities similar to yours, if you believe that you are exceptional or have something special that makes you the ‘catch’ then you can always demand for a salary that’s higher than the set scale. Remember, only so called ‘average employees’ accept the salary quoted by their employers.

How do I stress on behavior and passions that sets me apart?

If you are able to stress on the fact that you have a mentality that makes you ‘upwardly-mobile’ or driven to succeed, then you would be setting a higher price on your head as an employee. Mention things like how you enjoy multi-tasking, don’t mind staying late, love being a part of the team, are innovative and have true leadership qualities. Such things should be woven into your answers when you are asked to talk about yourself in an interview.

What about non-financial benefits?

Agreed, the paycheck that you get at the end of the month is what motivates you to work. But an organization is more than just the salary it offers. What if it gives you the opportunity to work with a company that’s known for its cutting edge technologies, or its powerful brand name? For example why would someone choose to work with HLL than Reliance or with Ogilvy instead of Rediff, though they were being offered a higher package by the later? Non-financial benefits are often just as important as your paycheck. Don’t neglect these factors while you negotiate for a larger salary.