Start with the right mindset
Most people treat salary negotiation like a battle — but it’s really a conversation. The employer already wants you. The offer proves that. Your goal is simply to talk about how both sides can agree on fair compensation.
Step 1: Know your number (and why)
Before you negotiate anything, you need a clear idea of:
- Your target number (what you ideally want)
- Your floor number (the lowest you’d comfortably accept)
- The market range for the role in your location
Look for salary info on:
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Salary.com
- Local job listings (what others pay for similar roles)
Step 2: Don’t negotiate too early
If an interviewer asks what you expect before they give a number, use this polite, professional redirect:
“I’m flexible. I’d like to learn more about the role and responsibilities first, and I’m sure we can agree on a fair number.”
This keeps you from naming a number that is too low or higher than the role’s budget.
Step 3: When you receive the offer, pause
The moment you get an offer is exciting — but don’t feel pressured to accept immediately.
Instead, say:
“Thank you so much for the offer — I’m excited about the role. Could I have a day to review the details?”
This does three things:
- Makes you sound thoughtful
- Gives you time to evaluate the offer
- Sets up the negotiation conversation naturally
Step 4: Ask confidently, not aggressively
When you’re ready to negotiate, here’s the simplest sentence that works in most situations:
“Is there any flexibility in the salary?”
It’s polite, non-confrontational, and opens the door for the employer to improve the offer.
If you want to be more specific
“Based on my experience and responsibilities of this role, I was hoping for something in the range of $X–$Y. Is that possible?”
Keep your tone friendly and calm — you’re not demanding, you’re discussing.
Step 5: Back up your request with simple reasoning
You don’t need a long speech. Just connect your request to something meaningful:
- Your experience or certifications
- The scope of the role
- The job market in your region
- Your past performance or achievements
Example:
“Given my two years of experience handling similar responsibilities, and based on market rates for this role, I believe a salary closer to $X would be fair.”
Step 6: Don’t negotiate endlessly
After 1–2 rounds of discussion, it’s usually time to make a decision. Endless back-and-forth can frustrate employers.
If they can’t increase salary, consider asking about:
- Extra vacation days
- Flexible hours or remote work
- A performance review in 6 months
- Training budget or learning opportunities
Step 7: Know when to say “yes”
You don’t need to squeeze every last dollar out of the offer. If the salary is close to your target and the job feels like a good fit, accepting is perfectly fine.
Once you accept, say something like:
“I appreciate the offer and I’m excited to join the team.”
Quick recap
- Know your range before the conversation starts.
- Delay discussion until you hear an offer.
- Pause before responding to the offer.
- Use simple negotiation phrases that feel natural.
- Support your request with clear reasoning, not pressure.
- Be open to non-salary benefits.
- Say yes when the offer feels right.