Dealing with an international candidate's high salary demands. Are you prepared to negotiate effectively?

1 Understand Needs

Understanding the needs and motivations of an international candidate is crucial in negotiating salary. They may be considering factors such as cost of living adjustments, relocation expenses, or compensation for leaving a stable position. By empathizing with their position, you can create a rapport that facilitates open communication. This understanding also allows you to explain how your offer aligns with industry standards and the candidate's experience level, potentially easing salary tensions.

2 Research Norms

Before entering salary negotiations, thorough research on compensation norms within the candidate's region and industry is essential. This knowledge will equip you with the facts needed to discuss salary demands confidently. It's important to recognize that salary expectations can vary greatly across different countries and sectors, and what may seem high in one context could be the standard in another.

3 Flexible Benefits

Sometimes, meeting high salary demands isn't feasible. However, offering flexible benefits can be an effective alternative. Consider non-monetary compensation such as remote work options, additional vacation time, or professional development opportunities. These benefits can be highly attractive to candidates and may compensate for a lower salary offer. It's about finding a creative balance that satisfies both parties.

4 Total Package

When salary demands are high, it's beneficial to shift the conversation towards the total compensation package. This includes bonuses, stock options, health benefits, and other perks that add value beyond the base salary. Highlighting the complete offer can sometimes overshadow a lower starting salary, as candidates realize the long-term gains they could make.

5 Negotiation Skills

Effective negotiation is an art, especially when dealing with high salary demands from international candidates. It requires active listening, clear communication, and a willingness to find common ground. You must be prepared to make concessions while also standing firm on certain aspects of the offer. The goal is to reach an agreement that feels fair to both you and the candidate.

6 Cultural Awareness

Lastly, cultural awareness can play a significant role in salary negotiations. Different cultures have varying approaches to discussing money and compensation. Some may expect a hard bargain, while others might find aggressive negotiation tactics disrespectful. Being sensitive to these differences can help you navigate the conversation more successfully and prevent misunderstandings that could jeopardize the hiring process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?