Salary negotiations in the hiring process can be a touchy subject. You don’t want to ask for too much money and turn an employer off; but you also don’t want to undervalue yourself. Here’s 4 ways to get paid what you’re worth & follow the proper etiquette for talking about salary:

1. Do Research

If you don’t know what people in your position get paid in your city you should start by doing some research. For example, leasing positions on average in Houston and Austin can vary by over a dollar. Cities where apartment job seekers flood the market will usually pay less per hour than less desirable locations. You can find out what an expected salary is for your position by asking others in the field or contacting local professional organizations.

2. It’s Okay to Negotiate Salary

Talking about money with a potential employer can feel uncomfortable, but it’s okay to negotiate—most employers even expect it. Don’t throw out a number that’s far higher than their offer, but you can present yourself as worth a reasonable increase.

Also, avoid bringing up salary too early in the hiring process. Employers typically prefer to discuss pay toward the end of the interview.

3. Sell Your Skills

When it comes down to money-talk in the interviewing process one way to try and negotiate for higher pay is to remind an employer of the value you bring to their property. Through showing what you have to offer a hiring manager is more likely to consider you worth the money. One way to do this is by explaining the skills and experience you possess that will directly help you excel at an apartment job.

4. Stay Positive

You should always be prepared for the possibility that your salary expectations and the employer’s may differ. If you try to negotiate and your request is turned down, stay positive. You don’t want to start off on the wrong foot at a new job.

The unwritten rules of salary negotiation are simple: stay flexible and focus on showing your value to the property. The apartment industry in Texas has somewhat standard hourly wages, but you can still negotiate if you have strong skills and experience.