When you’re offered your dream job, it’s tempting to agree to the offer right away. But don’t! Managers often expect prospective employees to negotiate their package, and even negotiating a small amount per month can offer big returns in the long run. Follow these tips to negotiate a higher salary in English.
Be polite and professional
Whatever you think of the offer and the package, make sure you give your thanks. Use expressions like “Thank you for the offer” or “I appreciate your consideration” and “I am honored that you have selected me” in more formal situations.
Don’t give your emotions away
If you seem too enthusiastic when you are offered a job, the hiring manager knows he is in a stronger position for negotiating a salary. Instead of saying, “OK”, when you hear the salary figure, say “Hmmm…” This lets the hiring manager know you aren’t quite satisfied and can lead to immediate negotiations.
Give clear reasons why you expect a higher salary
Use your current salary, other job offers or statistics you’ve recently read about your field to explain why you would like a higher salary than the initial offer. Use expressions like “I had something a little higher in mind” or “I was expecting something within the 5 to 7,000 range” to do this without seeming rude.
Ask for some time to think
A hiring manager may put pressure on you to accept an offer, especially if they really want you, but don’t rush into decisions. Request at least several days to think through the decision. You can add, “I’m very interested in your company, but this will give me some time to make a more informed decision.” Making them wait a little puts you in a stronger position if you do decide to ask for a slightly higher salary.
Make sure you understand the full package
Your salary is not the only source of income from a job. Make sure you understand the bonus system and how it works, what other perks (benefits) you are entitled to and any pension schemes that are part of the package. A substantial bonus or generous car allowance can help boost the amount of money you earn every year.
I’ll take it!
When it comes down to the final decision, this is a fun and friendly way to accept an offer. After you have accepted, you can let the people who have hired you know that you are looking forward to working with them. For more formal situations, say “I’d like to formally accept your offer.” If, on the other hand, you don’t want the job, say, “After much consideration, I’m afraid I won’t be able to accept your offer.” Be sure to always give an answer, and to always be polite!
FAQs
Be Realistic, Don't Over (or Under) Ask
Do your research. Don't go blind into a salary negotiation. Have at least a ballpark idea of what others in your current or prospective role are making. If you low-ball your worth, and your boss picks up on it, you could be setting yourself up for a lifetime of lower wages.
What is the best answer for salary negotiation? ›
5 steps for answering “What is your salary expectation?”
- Thank the interviewer. ...
- Use a delaying tactic to deflect the question. ...
- If the interviewer insists, provide a salary range. ...
- Provide a specific number if pressed. ...
- Show flexibility and openness to negotiation.
Here are eight tips for how to negotiate a salary that can help you tactfully and confidently ask for what you want.
- Become familiar with industry salary trends. ...
- Build your case. ...
- Tell the truth. ...
- Factor in perks and benefits. ...
- Practice your delivery. ...
- Know when to wrap it up. ...
- Get everything in writing. ...
- Stay positive.
8 Phrases You Should Use During Salary Negotiations
- 1. “ Similarly situated employees”
- 2. “ Market research”
- 3. “ I would be more comfortable if…”
- “I want to be as flexible as possible.”
- 5. “ Value”
- “If you can do that, I'm on board.”
- “Can I take time to consider your offer?”
- “I appreciate your help with this.”
What is the best way to negotiate a salary offer that exceeds your expectations?
- Know your worth. Be the first to add your personal experience.
- Express gratitude and enthusiasm. ...
- Ask for time to consider. ...
- Identify your priorities and trade-offs. ...
- Make a counteroffer. ...
- Negotiate with grace and respect. ...
- Here's what else to consider.
Be Realistic, Don't Over (or Under) Ask
Do your research. Don't go blind into a salary negotiation. Have at least a ballpark idea of what others in your current or prospective role are making. If you low-ball your worth, and your boss picks up on it, you could be setting yourself up for a lifetime of lower wages.
How do you negotiate salary gracefully? ›
Salary Negotiation Tips 21-31 Making the Ask
- Put Your Number Out First. ...
- Ask for More Than What You Want. ...
- Don't Use a Range. ...
- Be Kind But Firm. ...
- Focus on Market Value. ...
- Prioritize Your Requests. ...
- But Don't Mention Personal Needs. ...
- Ask for Advice.
What Not to Say When Asking for a Raise
- "I will Quit this job if I don't get a raise!" ...
- "I know my Co-worker makes X amount" ...
- "I want more money!" ...
- "I need a pay raise because (insert personal problems) ...
- "I want my salary to be increased by(x)." ...
- "I have received other offers from company X." ...
- "You are underpaying me."
Adopt a winning format (template)
I am delighted about the opportunity to join your team. After careful consideration, I'd like to request a higher salary of (desired salary). My research has shown that the average salary for comparable positions with my experience is around (market salary range).
How do you counter offer a higher salary? ›
How to Negotiate a Salary Counter Offer
- Pause before responding.
- Ask a follow-up question.
- Turn the salary expectation question around.
- Get the salary range.
- Conduct comparative salary research.
- Prepare an organized argument.
- Ask for a 10-to-20-percent bump.
- Look for non-salary levers to pull.
1. “I'm sorry.” Few phrases signal weakness during negotiations as much as “I'm sorry.” Unfortunately, applicants sometimes tend to apologize for circ*mstances that aren't their fault, or are beyond their control.
How to negotiate salary in English? ›
How to negotiate a higher salary in English
- Be polite and professional.
- Don't give your emotions away. ...
- Give clear reasons why you expect a higher salary.
- Ask for some time to think. ...
- Make sure you understand the full package. ...
- I'll take it!
Make a counter-offer:
Are you open to discussing salary?” “Thank you for the offer and information about the benefits your organization provides. Based on my analysis of the offer and knowledge of the market value for this position, I was expecting the compensation to be a bit higher – more in the range of $xx to $xx.
How do you politely ask to negotiate salary? ›
"I'm very excited about the position and know that I'd be the right fit for the team. I'm also excited about your offer, and knowing that I'll bring a lot of value to the table based on my experience that we discussed during the interviews, I'm wondering if we can explore a slightly higher starting salary of $80,000.
How to politely ask for salary range? ›
If you're looking for a very polite approach:
“Hello, thank you so much for the opportunity to interview for your company, in advance of our scheduled interview I wanted to ask if you could provide the salary range for this role.
How do you say salary is negotiable? ›
This is an acceptable salary range, given my experience, industry knowledge, and skills. However, I am willing to negotiate and am quite flexible."
How do you respond to salary negotiable? ›
There are four main components to your salary negotiation email.
- Start with a greeting. Include the name of the hiring manager or recruiter that you are replying to.
- Express gratitude. ...
- Present your desired salary with reasoning. ...
- Finish with final remarks.
Make a counter-offer:
I do have a concern regarding the starting salary, however. Based on my understanding of the market value for the position, and my skill set I would expect my compensation to be in the range of $xx to $xx. Are you open to discussing salary?”
How do you respond to a candidate salary negotiation? ›
How you proceed when a candidate simply asks for a higher pay rate is ultimately up to you. One option is to reply and ask what figure seems fair to them and then use their response as the basis for negotiation. Alternatively, you can reevaluate your original offer and simply reply with a higher hourly rate or salary.
