Negotiating Salary When Changing Careers

Negotiating a salary for a new job takes preparation and self-confidence, but in most cases, it is relatively straightforward if you are staying within the same career or profession. The process becomes a bit different, though, when you are negotiating a salary for a job in a different field or career.

Why consider a career change?

You may consider making a career change at some point in your life, for reasons that are plentiful and varied. Sometimes a change comes about due to personal circumstances, financial need, relocation of a spouse, or a general desire to do something more in line with personal wants and preferences.

Regardless of the primary reason for your career change, you will undoubtedly be faced with issues of compensation when you move from one profession to another. Your new career may come with a higher salary, a lower salary, or a comparable salary, and you must be prepared to adapt your lifestyle to that new reality.

Address salary issues internally

The first step to addressing salary issues related to a career change is to negotiate and assess the situation internally. That is, you must think carefully about all of the factors that may influence your negotiating strategy and position. A few examples might include:

Transferable skills- What skills do you possess that are transferable to a new career? What abilities and experiences have you developed in your existing career, and how can you bring them to bear on a new career?

Passion and enthusiasm - How passionate and enthusiastic are you about the new career? Do you have a burning desire to make the change, such that you are willing to adapt to a different salary level? Or are you just thinking about a change because you're bored or otherwise lukewarm about your current job?

Salary vs. job satisfaction - Carefully evaluate what is important to you. Are you willing to take a lower salary in order to have a more satisfying job or career? Or are you willing to take on a career that is not your first choice but one that offers a substantial salary boost?

Short-term salary impact vs. long-term salary potential - Consider both the short-term and long-term salary impact of changing careers. In many cases, changing to a career that is in greater demand now and into the foreseeable future may put you into a position to generate greater income down the line, even if it means a salary reduction in the short term.

Address salary issues externally

Once you have addressed and negotiated salary issues with yourself, you need to prepare and practice how you will address salary issues during the interview process. You must be able to effectively communicate why you should be considered for a position that is a career change, and negotiate an appropriate salary.

During the interview process, emphasize those skills and qualifications you possess that make you a good fit for the position. Talk about your experiences and abilities that are transferable from your old career to your new career, and help the employer see the value and benefit you would bring to the organization.

Doing this not only helps you get the job, it also strengthens your negotiating position when it comes time to negotiate salary. If you have done your homework and are prepared with comparable salary information, it will be much easier to negotiate a suitable salary even if you are brand new to the profession.

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