Salary Negotiation (2024)

How much to ask for

Remember, your total compensation isn’t just your annual salary. It also includes things like health care benefits, paid time off, transportation perks, bonuses and more. When it comes to negotiating, doing research to get an idea of what a typical offer is for similar job positions can help ensure your counteroffer is within reason.

Glassdoor allows you to see self-reported salaries from current and former employees at specific companies. Also, Payscale will evaluate your offer letter and compare it to industry and area statistics. Both of these resources can provide data to strengthen your negotiation.

With most online tools, salary information will be reported as a range. For most entry-level positions, the lower start of the range will be the most appropriate pay bracket. If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher.

In addition to compensation data, you should research the cost of living for the area you’ll be working in. When you get an offer, you will want to make sure it’s enough to pay for food, rent, transportation and bills. Ideally, you’ll also have enough for savings, fun and any other expenses you have. NerdWallet’s cost of living calculator can help you compare two cities and how much you’ll need to earn to meet the cost of living.

Salary Negotiation (2024)

FAQs

What is the best answer for salary negotiation? ›

During salary negotiations, consider various factors such as cost of living, your current pay package, and any additional employment benefits like pension, leave entitlement, and employee stock option. A recommended approach is to present your expected salary within a range rather than a fixed figure.

What to say if you aren t offered enough money in a salary negotiation? ›

For example, if a company offers you a low salary, you can say, "Thank you so much for the offer. If possible, I would like a week to read through the details before giving you my final answer."

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation? ›

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

Is Negotiable a good answer for salary expectations? ›

Is it ok to put 'negotiable' for salary requirements? Yes, it's generally acceptable to write 'negotiable' as your salary expectation. However, some forms only accept numeric values, so it's not always possible.

How do you smartly negotiate salary? ›

8 Smart Strategies for Salary Negotiation
  1. Be Nice, but Not Too Nice. ...
  2. Be Realistic, Don't Over (or Under) Ask. ...
  3. Be Honest About Your Current Salary. ...
  4. Don't Beat Them to the Punch. ...
  5. Use a Precise, Unusual Number. ...
  6. Take Care of Yourself, Before Your Salary. ...
  7. Be Patient. ...
  8. Ask for a Salary Range.

How do you humbly negotiate salary? ›

  1. Calculate your value. Knowing your own value is the most important step toward negotiating a better salary with your employer. ...
  2. Research the market. ...
  3. Prepare your reasons. ...
  4. Rehearse your negotiation pitch. ...
  5. Explain your work-related expenses. ...
  6. Be flexible. ...
  7. Don't be afraid to walk away. ...
  8. Thank the employer for their time.
Feb 10, 2023

How do you say not enough money professionally? ›

Different ways to say you don't have enough money for professional relationships:
  1. I'm feeling the pinch at the moment.
  2. I'm not sure my bank account will cope with it.
  3. My finances are tight.
  4. I'm on a tight budget.
  5. I'm not sure I can afford it.
  6. I'm in the red.
Mar 16, 2022

How do you politely say salary is not enough? ›

Thank you so much for the offer. I'm really excited about the company and the role. I want to be upfront with you that the salary is lower than I was expecting based on my skills and experience.

Should you accept first salary offer? ›

Accepting or rejecting a salary offer right away: It's always a good idea to take some time to consider a salary offers before you decide whether to accept or reject it or to give a counteroffer. Take 24-48 hours to think it over and talk with other decision-makers in your life.

How do you counter a salary offer? ›

How to Negotiate a Salary Counter Offer
  1. Pause before responding.
  2. Ask a follow-up question.
  3. Turn the salary expectation question around.
  4. Get the salary range.
  5. Conduct comparative salary research.
  6. Prepare an organized argument.
  7. Ask for a 10-to-20-percent bump.
  8. Look for non-salary levers to pull.

How high should I counter offer salary? ›

The rule of thumb when you negotiate salary with a counteroffer is between 10% and 20% of the offer amount. If you like the job and would accept the first offer rather than pass on the job, a counteroffer of 10% to 15% above the initial offer is not too aggressive.

How much is too much to ask for in salary negotiation? ›

But the tactic has an upper limit. Their research found that asking for any range that would be more than 25% did not produce better results. Taking the Paysa survey and the Columbia Business School survey results together, it might make the most sense to consider negotiating for an increase in pay between 5-10%.

What is your desired salary answer? ›

Here are a few example answers to “What's your desired salary?”: I don't have a specific number in mind, but I'd expect to be paid what you think is fair based on the industry standard and my level of experience. I don't have a concrete number in mind. What do you have budgeted for this position?

What's your salary expectation sample answer? ›

Considering my level of experience and the responsibilities associated with the position, I would anticipate a salary range of [insert range]. However, I am also interested in the overall compensation package, which includes benefits, bonuses, and opportunities for growth.

How do you answer salary negotiation in an interview? ›

Be honest. Ask for a reasonable increase and emphasise why you deserve more by referencing market value, what other companies are paying for the same work and detailing how your expertise can add value to their company. Also keep an eye out for additional benefits instead of a salary increase.

How do you respond to salary expectations? ›

8 tips on how to answer salary expectations in an interview
  1. Search online for salary ranges in your field and location. ...
  2. Talk to people in similar roles. ...
  3. Consider what you need to live. ...
  4. Take into account other monetary or lifestyle benefits. ...
  5. Know when to encounter salary expectation questions.

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