Let’s talk about something a lot of us avoid but need to nail—negotiating your salary.
Yes, you! Whether you’re back on the job hunt after a long break or aiming for that big promotion, your starting pay isn’t just a paycheck—it’s the foundation for your financial future.
Starting with the right salary sets the tone for your career growth, retirement goals, and even how many spontaneous trips you can make to Target or splurge on extra guac at Chipotle without hesitation.
But here’s the catch—salary negotiations don’t start at the interview. They begin the moment you hit “submit” on your application.
Your resume is the first signal of your worth. It’s what sets the tone for how much the employer will be willing to pay you. For example, if your resume says “Junior Analyst,” you may have just left $30,000 on the table because that title undersells your expertise. Small tweaks, like “Lead Developer” or “Senior Customer Experience Advisor,” can boost your perceived value by $20,000 to $30,000—all before you even walk into an interview.
Negotiation doesn’t have to feel like a confrontation. It’s a strategic, confidence-boosting conversation that lets you own your worth. And no matter who you are—whether you’re a new grad figuring out your first salary or a seasoned pro looking to level up—it’s time to ask for what you deserve.
So, let’s dive into our top salary negotiation advice!
Why Salary Negotiation Matters
First off, let’s set the record straight: most employers expect you to negotiate. They’re not sitting there thinking, “Ugh, why are they asking for more?” They’re thinking, “Okay, they know their stuff.” Salary negotiation isn’t just about your next paycheck—it’s about your career trajectory and lifetime earnings.
Here’s some tea: research shows that negotiating your salary can increase your lifetime earnings by $1 million or more. That’s right, a one-time conversation can have million-dollar consequences. So, why leave money on the table?
For women and underrepresented groups, failing to negotiate can have an even greater impact. Studies show that women who don’t negotiate can lose up to $1.6 million over their careers. Combine this with systemic biases, and the pay gap widens even further. But here’s the good news: one confident, well-informed conversation can change everything.
What’s even better, according to research, 73% of employers in the United States expect candidates to negotiate salary on an initial job offer, so you’re only holding yourself back if you don’t!
Your Salary Negotiation Starts with Your Resume
Here’s a little-known secret: salary negotiation starts the moment you hit “submit” on your application. Employers often base their initial salary range on the titles and experiences listed on your resume.
For example, if your resume says “Junior Analyst,” you’ve essentially told the company to undervalue you. But if you upgrade that to “Financial Analyst” or “Lead Analyst,” you’re setting yourself up for a bigger paycheck before you even step into the interview.
The difference?
A potential $20,000–$30,000 🔥
This doesn’t mean lying on your resume. It means framing your experience to reflect your true value.
Did you lead projects? Manage teams? Handle responsibilities beyond your title? Highlight that. The skills and experience that you will bring to the company are valuable leverage in effective salary negotiation.
Instead of: “Assisted with marketing campaigns.”
Say: “Developed and executed marketing strategies, increasing engagement by 200%.”
Your resume should scream, “I’m worth it.”
And when it does, the company will often find the budget to pay you what you’re worth—even if that means adjusting their initial offer.
Step 1: Prepare Like a Pro
The key to successful salary negotiation is preparation. You can’t walk into this conversation without doing your homework.
Here’s how to get started:
Research Salary Benchmarks
- Use tools like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary Insights to see what others in similar roles are earning. Research industry standards and average salaries to make sure your starting offer is fair.
- Factor in your location. A software developer in New York City will likely earn more than one in Boise, Idaho—but that doesn’t mean you should sell yourself short. Consider a fair market rate for your skillset and experience paired with your location.
- Research company size and industry. A Fortune 500 company will have a different budget than a startup. The startup might offer more equity in the company, while the Fortune 500 might have more salary to offer. It can vary or even be inverse depending on the industry and job market.
Leverage LinkedIn to Network
Reach out to employees, recruiters or potential employers at your target company. Ask them about the culture, benefits, starting salaries and general compensation structure. Even indirect information can give you insight into their pay scale.
Know Your Value
Your unique skills and accomplishments are your greatest bargaining chips. Make a list of:
- Measurable achievements: Did you save your company money? Increase revenue? Improve customer retention? Quantify it.
- Certifications, degrees, and specialized training that make you stand out.
Companies pay for results, not just responsibilities. Frame your contributions in terms of the impact you’ve made.
Step 2: Set Your Range (but Keep It to Yourself)
Before you negotiate, you need to know your number. What’s your ideal salary? What’s the lowest you’d accept? Consider your current salary, your target salary, the long term cost of living, how much disposable income you want to strive for…
Write these numbers down and keep them in mind during the conversation.
🌟 But here’s the golden rule: don’t share your range too early! 🌟
If an employer asks for your salary expectations during the application process, here’s how to respond:
- “I’d like to learn more about the role before discussing compensation.”
- “I trust that the company has budgeted fairly for this position, and I’m confident we can agree on a competitive salary.”
Sharing your range too soon locks you in before you know what the company is willing to pay. Let them make the first move.
Step 3: Timing is Everything
First up, don’t be afraid to discuss salary - steps 1 and 2 will have you feeling confident and ready to tackle this.
Next, when it comes to salary discussions, timing is critical.
Here’s how to know when to bring it up:
- If they ask early: Respond professionally but keep it vague (as mentioned above).
- After you’ve wowed them: The best time to negotiate is after you receive an offer. At this point, they’ve already decided they want you, which gives you leverage.
Step 4: Negotiate Like You Mean It
Now comes the fun part: the negotiation!
Here’s how to approach it like a pro:
Be Direct, Not Passive
Skip the timid “Is there any flexibility?” and go for something more confident:
- “I think this is a great starting point. If we could get closer to [$X], I’d be happy to sign the offer today.”
- “I’m excited about this opportunity. Based on my experience and research, I believe [$X] would be a fair reflection of my value.”
Leverage Competing Offers
Got another offer? Use it. Hiring Managers know they’re competing for top talent.
“I’m very interested in this role, but I’ve received another offer for [$X]. If we can match or exceed that, I’d love to move forward with your team.”
Show Your Value
When you ask for more, tie it back to the results you’ll bring:
“Given my experience managing [specific projects] and my track record of [specific achievements], I believe [$X] is a fair reflection of my value.”
Step 5: Beyond the Paycheck—What Else Can You Negotiate?
Salary is just one piece of the puzzle.
Negotiating a job offer as a whole is important, too; don’t forget about the perks that can add value to your overall compensation package.
Here are a few things you can negotiate:
- Sign-on bonuses
- Stock options
- Relocation assistance
- Extra PTO or vacation days
- Tuition reimbursement
- Flexible work hours or remote options
- Professional development funds
💡 Pro tip: If the company says they can’t meet your salary ask, pivot to negotiating for these extras. Sometimes a little creativity can go a long way.
Step 6: Handling Counteroffers Like a Boss
If the company counters your request, don’t panic. Counteroffers are a normal part of the process. Here’s how to handle them:
Evaluate the Full Package
Consider the entire offer—salary, benefits, bonuses, and perks. Sometimes extra PTO or better healthcare can make up for a lower base salary.
Push Back (Respectfully)
If the counteroffer still doesn’t meet your expectations, say:
“I appreciate the offer, but based on my research and experience, I was hoping for something closer to [$specific number].”
Be Open to Compromise
If they can’t meet your number, suggest performance-based raises after six months or increased bonuses.
Step 7: Addressing Employer Hesitations
Employers might push back with comments like:
- “This is the standard rate for the role.”
- “We don’t have the budget for that.”
Here’s how to respond:
- “I understand budget constraints, but I believe my expertise in [specific area] makes me a valuable asset to the team.”
- “If increasing the salary isn’t an option, could we explore additional benefits like [specific perk]?”
The key is to stay professional, calm, and confident.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Salary Negotiation
To get the most out of your negotiation, avoid these pitfalls:
- Accepting the first offer: Always negotiate. Even a small bump in pay adds up over time. Remember - the first offer is the employer saying they want you, it’s not what they’re happy to pay you! Research shows that candidates who choose to negotiate see an 18.83% salary increase on average.
- Undervaluing yourself: Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Value your worth, time, skills and experience, and use those as leverage in negotiations.
- Focusing only on salary: Remember, the full compensation package matters. Could the shortfall in your desired salary be made up in health insurance, extra holiday days, end of year bonuses, dividends, etc.?
- Negotiating salary after offer: Whilst it’s not impossible to negotiate your paycheck after you’ve accepted an offer, it’s certainly more difficult. You’ve already indicated that you’re happy to work at the agreed rate, so increasing your salary at this point could take some time and impact the relationship.
Ready to Start Your Job Offer Negotiations?
Negotiating your salary isn’t about being pushy—it’s about being smart.
With the right strategy, preparation, and confidence, you can walk away with a package that reflects your true worth.
Remember: employers expect you to negotiate.
They’ve already invested in you as their top choice—now it’s time to make sure you’re invested in yourself, too.
If you need a bump in the right direction, our Careers Hub has tons of resources aimed at guiding you through application best practices, salary negotiation tactics, interview scripts and more to help you not only land your perfect job but also get the pay you deserve!
