85% of Americans who negotiate their salary are successful. We explain how you can get it

By Michelle Fox -

Improving a job offer depends exclusively on the employee.

And if you don't ask to negotiate, it won't come.

But still, it turns out that many workers don't ask for better pay or employment conditions, according to a survey by Fidelity Investments.

Some 58% of Americans accepted the initial offer in their current position without negotiating, according to the survey.

[Wall Street recovers gains after weeks of heavy losses and Biden says a recession is "not inevitable."

We explain what it means]

However, negotiating works.

According to Fidelity, 85% of Americans - and 87% of professionals ages 25-35 - who fought back over salary, other compensation or benefits, or both salary and other compensation and benefits, got at least some of what they asked for.

The survey, conducted March 8-14 by Engine Insights, asked 1,524 American adults between the ages of 25 and 70 who work full or part time.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average records its worst drop since the start of the pandemic

May 18, 202200:23

“People think they can't or shouldn't negotiate, but companies expect them to negotiate,” explained Caroline Ceniza-Levine,

Dream Career Club executive

“They respect good negotiators.

They will respect you if you can advocate for yourself,” he added.

"They want someone with that confidence to be on their side of the table," he said.

[Celebrities and 'influencers' encourage their followers to invest in NFT.

Many are already broke]

Confidence is the key.

So do your homework.

Research the pay for your job, field, and location.

Also, ask other people about their salaries or what they know about rates in your field.

“If you understand what you can ask for, if you're doing a good job of showing your value, that will help increase the confidence you have going into any salary negotiation,” explained Kelly Lannan, senior vice president of emerging clients at Fidelity Investments.

Voter support for President Joe Biden is on the decline

May 15, 202200:44

Before you make a counter offer, identify what you want.

It could be a higher salary, or it could be a bonus, benefits, title, or job scope.

When focusing on salary, remember that even in line with market data, you can sell your specific skills or experience as a reason for a higher rate, Ceniza-Levine said.

If it is not possible to increase the salary, you can also negotiate the non-salary aspects.

[Has inflation messed with your retirement plans?

Follow the advice of these experts]

"Analyze the entire offer and do not rush to say that the one who receives the most money wins," he said.

Also think about what happens in the company.

For example, do they need me to start right away?

If so, it may be worth an additional payment or bonus to start earlier.

If possible, negotiate with the person who will make the final decision.

If you can't, try to do your best to develop a relationship with the person you're dealing with, such as the recruiter, so they can be a good case manager for you, Ceniza-Levine advised.

How you approach the employer with a counter offer is also important.

Make it clear that you are excited to work for the company and highlight the skills and value you will bring.

[The average price of gasoline in the country is close to five dollars per gallon]

“The way you start the conversation is as important as the points that are made,” he said.

After all, it never hurts to ask.

If the answer is “no”, it does not mean that the job offer will be rescinded.

Plus, you can always come back to the topic later.

″'No' just means 'not now.

It's not forever," Ceniza-Levine said.

This article is part of the 

.