The payroll system of every country is different. Even so, there are a few things that remain the same, i.e., deduction of taxes, funds, and insurance premium. In Canada, an employer needs to comply with the guidelines of CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) and make appropriate deductions from an employee’s salary on “each pay period.”
This simply means that the salary offered during the job and salary at hand differ significantly. Those who are new to Canada may or may not be well aware of the deductions. That’s why it is essential to do your homework about the country’s rules and regulations and negotiate your salary.
Negotiation will ensure that your payment is according to your skills and qualification. It will also assist you to cover all expenses and live a comfortable life in a new country. So, follow the tips given below to negotiate your salary in Canada effectively.
Determine Your Value
Knowing your worth or value for a company can help you set the lower bracket for your negotiation. If a company offers you less than the lower bracket, it is your sign not to accept the offer. On the other hand, if a company is willing to pay, you should try to negotiate for more.
To determine your value, you need to take into consideration the following factors:
- Your education and skills
- Experience in a particular field
- Overall work experience
- Licenses and certifications
- Location
- Previous or current Salary (if you have worked before)
- Leadership and communication ability
All these factors together will help you determine your value. Not to mention, you can also list down the similar factors while negotiating with the employer.
Do Your Homework
It is essential to do market research to discover the job position matching your skills and qualifications. It helps you understand how much different organizations are willing to pay or what is the average salary for the job title. Market research becomes a priority when looking for a job in a new country. So, make sure to learn about the industry and the Canadian Payroll system.
Bear in mind that you need to pay federal and provincial income tax in Canada. The employers also withhold CPP (Canada Pension Plan) and EI (Employment Insurance) from the paycheque. So, it would be best if you calculate your estimated after-tax payroll.
A quick hack that you can use for easy payroll calculation is using online tools. Suppose you are residing in Ontario currently. In that case, search for Salary calculator Ontario, fill out the necessary details and learn how much money you’ll actually be left with.
Note Down Your Expenses
Moving to a new country and city involves huge expenses. You may need to rent a house, pay for different licenses or documents and settle everyday costs such as traveling, utility bills and more. So, you need to ensure that these additional expenses are nullified with your salary. If you have kids or an elder, the expenses will further increase to ensure you take utmost care of them.
That’s why it is wise to create a list of all the expenses as well as the saving plans that you may have. It will allow you to learn an estimated cost that you must fulfill. So, you can look for offers that are willing to pay you according to your expectations or negotiate with your employer.
Create An Outline
Another thing that you must do is to prepare an overview of your talking points. Begin by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to the hiring manager. Then, briefly explain why you believe you are entitled to greater pay. Make your request as precise as possible so that the employer is more willing to agree.
List out relevant accomplishments, experience, and talents, and utilize figures to put your qualifications in context wherever appropriate. An outline will allow you to express your points more confidently in front of the employer.
Practice, Practice And Practice
It does not matter whether you’re going to negotiate your pay in person or over the phone. It would help if you practiced the discussion, so you know precisely what to say. Request a reliable friend or coworker to assist you in practicing and providing feedback. If they agree to your idea, they may play the role of your employer and ask any questions that may occur throughout the meeting.
In case of face-to-face discussion, pay attention to your body language. You can practice in front of a mirror to improve your speech, body language, and gratitude.
Remember Confidence Is The Key
It’s critical to stay calm and confident during the discussion. Confidence indicates that you believe in yourself and can help the firm accomplish its objectives. Additionally, the recruiting managers are more inclined to consider a confident person for a job, as it means you can handle the job stress and work efficiently.
Learning about your worth focusing on your skills, qualifications, and experience can help you improve self-esteem and get a good salary. Not to mention, your practice beforehand will also help you maintain your composure.
Allow Flexibility
Despite the fact that payroll is likely to be one of the most crucial aspects for you, it’s wise to remain flexible throughout the negotiating process. Remember, it’s typical to ask for more than you expect. It allows you to speak freely, and even if the company offers less, you’ll be able to negotiate payments that you’re happy with.
If the recruiting manager is unwilling to negotiate, you might ask for other benefits. Request more vacation time, compensation for a long commute, or money to cover relocation costs. Make a list of the perks that are most relevant to you and incorporate them in your outline. It’s also a good idea to think about your future with the organization. Accepting the work may be worthwhile if there is space for you to progress and earn a higher income in the future.
To Sum It All Up
Negotiating salary is a skill that every employee must learn. After all, you have the necessary qualifications and skills required for the job, so it is your right to get paid appropriately. You take into consideration the tips mentioned above; learn about Canadian payroll deductions, taxes and be confident.