You’ve already done the tough part of the job search—you found the right position, applied, and landed a job offer.
Congrats!
But before you celebrate, there’s one more crucial step you need to take:
Negotiating your salary.
It might be tempting to accept the first offer and dive into your new role, but that’s usually not the best move. In fact, about 84% of employers expect candidates to negotiate. If you don’t, you could be leaving money on the table.
So, how can you negotiate your salary effectively and get what you really deserve?
We’re here to help you with that!
Keep reading for 12+ of our top tips for negotiating your salary.
12 Tips for Better Salary Negotiation
#1. Know Your Worth
Before negotiating your salary, don’t just throw out a random number. Take time to do some research and figure out what you’re really worth. Salaries can vary based on things like your experience, skills, location, and company policies. For example, a developer in the U.S. makes about $110,638 a year, which is much higher than in the U.K., where the average is $42,394. So, it’s important to keep these factors in mind when deciding on the salary you want.
To get an accurate figure, research:
- Salary rates in your area
- Averages based on your experience level
- What people with your specific skills earn (e.g., a B2B salesperson makes more than a telemarketer)
- Salaries for the specific company you’re applying to (you can find this on sites like Glassdoor)
Glassdoor also has a handy “Know Your Worth” tool to help you figure out a good pay range.
#2. Don’t Make It All About You
Negotiating isn’t just about you—it’s a two-way street. Instead of focusing solely on why you deserve a higher salary, shift the conversation to how you can bring more value to the company. Show the recruiter why you’re worth more by explaining how you exceed the job’s requirements. If you’ve had past successes in similar roles, mention those too.
#3. Factor in Perks & Benefits
A job offer isn’t just about the salary. Sometimes, a lower salary might be offset by great perks and benefits. For instance, the company might offer:
- Better health insurance
- More vacation days
- A personal development budget
- Work-from-home options
- A great retirement plan
When comparing offers, look at the whole package, not just the paycheck. Some companies might not be able to raise your salary but could sweeten the deal with extra perks.
#4. Back Up Your Request
When you counter an offer, don’t just give a number—back it up with solid reasons. Build your case by highlighting your strengths, experience, and skills. Make sure you understand what the job entails, and show the hiring manager how your experience will help you excel in the role.
#5. Use Your Situation to Your Advantage
Your ability to negotiate depends a lot on your current situation. If you’re unemployed, you might not want to risk losing a job offer just because of the salary. But if the offer is lower than what competitors or your current employer would pay, you can use that as leverage.
#6. Practice Your Negotiation
Don’t wing your salary negotiation—it’s too important! Find a friend or mentor (preferably someone with business experience) to practice with you. The more you rehearse, the more confident and convincing you’ll be when it’s time for the real thing.
#7. Know When to Stop or Walk Away
Negotiations shouldn’t turn into a drawn-out argument. If it’s clear the employer won’t budge on salary, don’t keep pushing—it can come off as rude. Either accept the offer if it makes sense or politely walk away.
#8. Aim High
When deciding on your salary range, pick a number on the higher end. Why? Because if you give a range, the hiring manager will likely offer the lowest number. That number becomes the anchor for the rest of the negotiation, so you won’t be able to ask for much more. Instead, give a high number, which puts you in control and increases your chances of a better outcome.
#9. Be Likeable and Gracious
You don’t want to come across as difficult during negotiations. Stay calm, keep emotions out of it, and stick to the facts. No matter the outcome, be polite and thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity.
#10. Don’t Accept the First Offer
In most cases, the employer’s first offer isn’t their final one. Don’t jump to accept it right away. Instead, thank them and ask for 24 to 48 hours to think it over. This gives you time to evaluate if the offer matches your worth or if you should negotiate for more.
Also Read: 5 Essential Skills for Future Workplaces
#11. Show Your Enthusiasm for the Job
When negotiating, let the employer know that you’re excited about the job and the company. You can also mention that you have other offers with higher pay, but you’d prefer to work for them if they can match the compensation. This shows you’re not just in it for the money but genuinely interested in the role.
#12. Get It in Writing
Once you’ve wrapped up the negotiation, make sure everything is in writing—both the new salary and any perks or benefits you discussed. This helps avoid any misunderstandings and ensures that both parties are on the same page.
