In some countries, it is customary on the evening before All Saints’ Day for children (and sometimes adults) to travel from house to house in costumes, asking for goodies with the phrase “trick or treat.”

 

For employees seeking extra goodies from employers the past few years, it was mostly “treat,” with salary increases averaging around 4%. Also, the competitive job market meant companies and organizations were seeking to enhance their employee benefit.

 

But some tricks might be on the way. A new salary survey found U.S. employers are looking at lower pay raises in 2025 (around 3.5%) and may keep employee benefits in check based upon a cooling labor market.

 

This means the leverage for some transitioning servicemembers to negotiate a slightly higher salary and benefits package with a future employer from their initial job offer may be less than in previous years. Likewise, with end-of-year performance reviews rapidly approaching for military spouses and veterans already in their second careers, some employers may be less empathetic than in previous years when considering a significant pay raise.

 

All that said, most employers want to fairly compensate you for both recruitment and retention purposes. But it is up to you to articulate your value effectively to fully attain the compensation levels you desire.

 

Just like finding the perfect costume to demonstrate that you are candy-worthy, here are a half-dozen pointers to ensure when it comes to negotiating for your overall compensation, you come home with the “treat” you’re after:

 

1. Knowledge is power. Do your research. A great place to start is with your personal and professional network. Ask questions like “What would someone with this level of education, this many years of demonstrated performance in the field, and these core knowledge, skills, and abilities be able to command in your organization?”

 

2. Wait for an offer. If job searching, try to deflect monetary discussion until your prospective employer brings up a number. The more contacts and interviews, and the more interest they show, the stronger your negotiation position. Bringing up salary too early may work against you if they think money is your primary personal motivator.

 

[RELATED: Beyond Jargon: Learning ‘Civilianese’ Is Key to a Successful Job Search]

 

3. If you’re seeking a pay increase in your current position, get on the calendar. The last thing you want is your boss to be checking their clock because they have other things on their mind. Make sure you tell them in advance that you would like to discuss your role and current salary, so they can be prepared.    

 

4. Support your argument. You also need to be prepared: Come in with a real number and back it up with evidence such as positive results, personal accolades and achievements, and relevant support material for what you can deliver going forward to directly contribute to the bottom line.

 

5. Do it in person. Being able to read body language and tone of voice is critical. If in-person isn’t an option, a video meeting will work. But don’t discuss or negotiate via email – it may come across as a list of demands.

 

6. Be professional. Whether dealing with your boss, future boss, hiring manager, or human resources department, try to make the salary discussion as conversational as possible. It is a balancing act to be confident, yet remain humble. Practice your pitch with a professional colleague or mentor, and be receptive to feedback.   

 

[RELATED: Career Resources for Military Spouses]

 

Just like your Halloween travels, the best outcome results in smiles on both sides of the door – regardless of the status of the job market, companies not only want to hire qualified individuals, they also want to retain them.

 

Want more career guidance for all seasons? Visit MOAA.org/careers and learn more about how MOAA can help you.

 

This article was first published in October 2021. Last update: Oct. 21, 2024.