This is how you can use a competitor's offer to increase your IT salary

Career AdviceWorking Life

Using the wrong tool can doom a task from the start. If you want to use another job opportunity to get a raise or a promotion from your current employer, you need to tread carefully—and leave your rhetorical sledgehammer at home.

When presented in the right context, a job offer from another company can be an effective way to get the results you want. But controlling the process requires skill and delicacy. This is a step-by-step guide on how to use this type of situation most effectively.

Set the course for success

Make sure you take your situation to a decision maker who actually has the ability and willing to make a difference. You may not be able to work out a quick, decisive deal if you work through an intermediary.

Then implement the law of reciprocity by inviting the person to lunch. Choosing a neutral, informal place will take the edge off negotiations.

And finally, you should have the right attitude. Remember that it's not about haggling as much as possible, nor is it a duel. Think of it as a business discussion between two people who want to work out a solution to a common problem.

Try to understand the issues, pressures, and fears that the CTO, Lead Developer, or Head of Development faces. Then combine your interests with his, so that a mutually acceptable solution is found.

You have to know what you want

We advise you not to go into the meeting unprepared. Be prepared to ask about a specific raise or promotion. Don't wait for the manager's offer; improve your negotiating position by citing your achievements and objective salary data, as providing many facts will legitimize your request.

Think of an alternative if your manager cannot or does not want to respond to your request. "The goal is not a trade, but a good trade."

Don't get cornered

Don't put your manager on the defensive (or yourself) by immediately mentioning that you have a job offer from a competitor. After some small talk, the best way to start your conversation is something like this:

“You know, I really enjoy working here and I think I can continue to contribute a lot to the organization in the future. However, I hear in the market that my value is about 20 percent higher than my current salary. I hope we can solve the problem."

A savvy manager or tech leader will understand and might even ask if you got another job offer. Tell the truth when asked directly, but reiterate that you'd like to stay with the company — positioning yourself as a loyal team member gives you the most control over the situation. Again, your goal is maximum bargaining power without alienating your boss or slamming the door. For example:

“I have another offer but I haven't made a decision yet and I want to reiterate that I'd like to stay with the company. But the other company offers me a much more direct path to work as a lead developer, so this offer is tempting. Do you think we can find a solution?”

Of course there is a risk that you will have to leave or that your boss will force you to show your colors.

Don't be afraid and stay flexible

Here are some more tips for your success:

• Do not accept vague promises. Accept the other offer if your employer doesn't put the new agreement in writing.
• Don't be afraid to suggest a performance bonus, promotion, or other workaround if your manager can't meet your salary expectations. After all, you have the upper hand. How he reacts to your BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement) can reveal his true intentions and make your decision easier.
• Speech is silver and silence is golden. One of the best times to use the power of silence is during a negotiation.
• Use pressure appropriately. While you shouldn't put the gun to your boss's chest, you must make it clear to him your intention that if you don't reach a satisfactory negotiation outcome, you will leave. For example: "Company XYZ expects an answer from me. And while I want to stay here, I have to give them my decision in a week."