What are effective negotiation strategies for job seekers with disabilities?

2 Do your research

Another key step in preparing for a negotiation is to do your homework on the market value of your skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as the salary range and benefits package of the position you are applying for. You can use online tools, industry reports, or professional networks to gather this information and benchmark your expectations. You should also research the employer's culture, values, and priorities, and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your negotiation strategy and pitch to their needs and interests, and demonstrate your fit and potential.

3 Focus on your value

One of the most important negotiation strategies for job seekers with disabilities is to focus on your value and contributions, rather than your limitations or challenges. You should emphasize your strengths, achievements, and unique perspectives that make you a valuable asset to the employer, and how you can help them solve their problems, meet their goals, or create positive impacts. You should also highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show your adaptability, resilience, or creativity in overcoming obstacles or finding solutions. By focusing on your value, you can build your confidence, credibility, and rapport with the employer, and avoid being seen as a liability or a charity case.

5 Be flexible and creative

Finally, you should be flexible and creative in your negotiation, and be willing to explore different options or alternatives that may benefit both you and the employer. You should not view the negotiation as a zero-sum game, where one party wins and the other loses, but rather as a collaborative process, where both parties can reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. You should also be open to considering different aspects of the job offer, such as salary, benefits, incentives, work hours, location, or opportunities for growth or development, and how they can meet your needs and preferences. You should also be creative in proposing solutions or compromises that may address the employer's concerns or challenges, such as sharing the cost or responsibility of an accommodation, or providing evidence or testimonials of your past performance or potential.

6 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?