Negotiating your salary as an international school teacher in Malaysia can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can ensure that you’re compensated fairly for your expertise and dedication. In this guide, we’ll explore seven tips to help you navigate the negotiation process effectively.
1. Understand the Market
Research the Average Salary
Before entering any negotiation, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the average salary for international school teachers in Malaysia. This will give you a benchmark to work from during your discussions. Websites such as Glassdoor and PayScale can provide valuable insights into the average pay rates in your industry.
Remember, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as the location of the school, the subject you teach, and your level of experience. Therefore, try to find data that is as specific to your situation as possible.
Consider the Cost of Living
While the average salary is an important consideration, it’s equally important to factor in the cost of living in Malaysia. This includes expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Websites like Numbeo can provide a comprehensive overview of the cost of living in different cities across Malaysia.
By comparing the cost of living with the average salary, you can get a better idea of how far your potential income will stretch in real terms.
2. Highlight Your Value
Emphasise Your Experience and Skills
When negotiating your salary, it’s essential to highlight your value as an educator. This includes your teaching experience, qualifications, and any specialist skills you may have. For example, if you have experience teaching the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum or if you’re a native speaker of the language the school teaches in, these are valuable assets that can justify a higher salary.
Remember, it’s not just about stating your qualifications and experience, but also about demonstrating how these will benefit the school and its students.
Show Your Commitment
International schools often value stability and continuity. Therefore, showing your commitment to staying in Malaysia for a significant period can be a strong bargaining chip in salary negotiations. This could involve discussing your long-term plans or demonstrating your efforts to integrate into the local culture and community.
However, be genuine in your commitment. Making false promises can lead to issues down the line.
3. Be Prepared to Negotiate Benefits
Consider the Whole Package
When negotiating your salary, it’s important to consider the whole compensation package, not just the base salary. This could include benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, flight allowances, and professional development opportunities.
These benefits can significantly increase the overall value of your compensation package. For example, if the school offers a generous housing allowance, this could effectively increase your disposable income, even if your base salary is on the lower end of the scale.
Know What’s Important to You
Not all benefits will hold the same value for everyone. Therefore, it’s important to identify what’s most important to you. For example, if you have a family, a good health insurance package might be a top priority. On the other hand, if you’re keen to travel, a generous flight allowance might be more appealing.
By knowing what’s important to you, you can focus your negotiation efforts on these areas and potentially secure a better overall package.
4. Be Professional and Respectful
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Negotiating your salary can be a stressful process, but it’s important to maintain a positive and professional attitude throughout. This includes being respectful in your communication, listening to the other party’s perspective, and being open to compromise.
Remember, the goal of the negotiation is to reach an agreement that is satisfactory for both parties. Therefore, it’s important to approach the process with a win-win mindset.
Keep Your Emotions in Check
While it’s natural to feel passionate about your worth and what you bring to the table, it’s crucial to keep your emotions in check during the negotiation process. This means avoiding confrontational language, not taking things personally, and staying calm and composed even if the negotiation becomes challenging.
By keeping your emotions in check, you can ensure that the negotiation process remains professional and productive.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
Know Your Worth
If the negotiation process isn’t leading to a satisfactory outcome, don’t be afraid to walk away. It’s important to know your worth and not settle for less than you deserve. Remember, there are many international schools in Malaysia and elsewhere that may be willing to offer a better compensation package.
However, make sure to communicate your decision in a respectful and professional manner. You never know when you might cross paths with the school or its staff in the future.
Consider Other Opportunities
If you decide to walk away, consider other opportunities both within Malaysia and in other countries. The experience of negotiating your salary can provide valuable insights that can help you in future negotiations. Plus, exploring other opportunities can broaden your horizons and potentially lead to even better career prospects.
Remember, the goal is to find a position that not only compensates you fairly but also offers a fulfilling and rewarding teaching experience.
6. Seek Advice and Support
Reach Out to Other Teachers
If you’re unsure about how to approach your salary negotiation, consider reaching out to other international school teachers for advice and support. They can share their own experiences and provide valuable insights into the negotiation process. Plus, they can offer a unique perspective on what it’s like to live and work in Malaysia.
There are many online forums and social media groups where you can connect with other international school teachers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice.
Consider Professional Support
If you’re finding the negotiation process particularly challenging, consider seeking professional support. This could involve hiring a career coach or a negotiation consultant. While this will involve an upfront cost, it could potentially lead to a significantly better compensation package.
Remember, investing in professional support can not only help you secure a better salary but also equip you with negotiation skills that can benefit you throughout your career.
7. Practice and Prepare
Role Play the Negotiation
One of the best ways to prepare for your salary negotiation is to practice. This could involve role-playing the negotiation with a friend or family member. This can help you anticipate potential questions or objections and prepare your responses.
Remember, the more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel during the actual negotiation.
Prepare Your Justification
During the negotiation, you’ll need to justify your salary expectations. Therefore, it’s important to prepare your justification in advance. This could involve outlining your qualifications and experience, highlighting your value to the school, and explaining why you deserve the salary you’re asking for.
By preparing your justification, you can ensure that you present a strong and compelling case during the negotiation.
In conclusion, negotiating your salary as an international school teacher in Malaysia involves understanding the market, highlighting your value, considering the whole compensation package, maintaining a professional and respectful attitude, knowing when to walk away, seeking advice and support, and practicing and preparing. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re compensated fairly for your expertise and dedication.
Enhance Your International Teaching Career with iQTS
While negotiating your salary is crucial, ensuring you meet the stringent qualification requirements of international schools in Malaysia is equally important. The IQTS at UWE offers the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) Programme, designed to elevate your professional credentials. With iQTS, you not only increase your chances of securing a better salary but also open doors to career advancement and a global professional network. Don’t let a lack of qualifications hold you back. Make Your Next Step towards a more fulfilling international teaching career with the iQTS programme.