When it comes to career development, knowing how to negotiate your salary effectively is just as important as refining your CV or acing a job interview. Yet, it’s something many professionals avoid — often out of fear of appearing too pushy or ungrateful. We believe salary negotiation is a vital skill that can and should be practised.
Why Salary Negotiation Matters
Salary isn’t just about money. It reflects your skills, experience, and the value you bring to a company. If you’re underpaid, it’s not just your bank balance that suffers — it can affect your confidence, motivation, and long-term earning potential.
Prepare with Evidence, Not Emotion
Confidence in negotiation stems from preparation. Before entering any conversation about pay, gather clear, factual evidence to support your request:
- Market Research: Use tools like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, or industry reports to benchmark your role’s average pay in your region and sector.
- Achievements & Impact: Create a list of tangible achievements — increased sales, improved processes, successful projects — and show how these have added value to your team or business.
- Qualifications & Skills: Outline any recent training, certifications, or upskilling efforts that enhance your role and responsibilities.
Use Tact: Timing and Language Matter
Even the strongest case can be weakened if presented poorly. The key to success is framing your request positively and professionally:
- Choose the Right Moment: Avoid salary discussions during high-stress periods or after poor performance reviews. Ideal moments include annual appraisals, the end of a successful project, or when you’re taking on more responsibility.
- Be Professional: Instead of saying “I need more money,” opt for “Based on my performance and current market benchmarks, I’d like to revisit my salary.”
- Stay Open and Collaborative: Enter the conversation as a discussion, not a demand. Be ready to listen, and be flexible in your expectations.
Don’t Be Afraid to Practise
Like any other soft skill, negotiation improves with practice. Speak to a trusted friend, mentor, or recruiter to role-play scenarios. Practising helps you refine your message, manage nerves, and anticipate responses.
What If They Say No?
A “no” doesn’t mean the door is closed. Ask what would be required to revisit the conversation in future. Could hitting certain targets lead to a raise? Is there scope for additional benefits such as flexible hours, more annual leave, or a bonus structure?
Final Thoughts
Negotiating your salary is not about being difficult — it’s about recognising your value and communicating it clearly and respectfully. With the right preparation and delivery, you can approach these conversations with confidence and calm.
We support candidates not just in finding the right role, but in securing the right reward. If you’re unsure how to approach your next salary conversation, speak to one of our consultants — we’re here to help.
