How To Negotiate Your Salary

When considering a job offer – your salary will be an important factor in your decision making. In fact, our recent salary survey found that 76% of job seekers consider pay as one of their top two priorities when assessing a new role.

In a competitive market with a skills shortage there is ample opportunity for candidates to negotiate their remuneration. So, when a salary offer from a new employer arrives, should you accept it for what it is – or ask for more?

For many candidates this will feel like an uncomfortable conversation to have but a salary negotiation is actually pretty standard – and can even promote you in a good light to your employer. It makes you look desirable in a competitive market and shows you know how to self-advocate.

Knowing how and when to negotiate a salary can be tricky; there are definitely some rules and etiquettes to consider, but with our expert advice we can help you negotiate your salary smoothly and politely to ensure a positive outcome.

Familiarise yourself with industry trends

Before you engage in any negotiation, it’s important to know your worth in the market; a little research is needed. Divisional Manager Michelle Pēna Stapleton advises: “Check the pay rate for similar roles in the local area, you can do this using LinkedIn, Indeed or Reed, and speak to your recruitment consultant, they will be able to tell you what the going rate is in the current market.”

You can also review online salary surveys. We’ve taken the hard work out of this for you with our Salary Survey, which provides up-to-date stats from many common roles within the HR, Accountancy & Finance and practice divisions in Thames Valley and the southern region. You can download this from our website. Make sure you give it a read as this will give you all of the current remuneration levels and trends and will ensure that you are asking for – and being offered – a fair wage.

Numbers matter – build your case

When preparing what you want to say to your prospective new employer it’s essential that you spell out your worth, making sure you can back up your case with facts and figures.

Use the data you have gleaned from your research and take into account all of the factors. Don’t focus just on the salary – is there a bonus scheme, enhanced holiday pay or hybrid/flexible working?

Rehearse your negotiation pitch with a trusted friend – or if this is taking place via email then ask a friend to check your email. Senior Consultant Richard Cooling says: “Don’t make it personal, make your conversation about facts.”

Ask for more than you want

Knowing exactly how much more to ask for is also daunting. Often we have a figure in our head of what we feel we’re worth – and for some we don’t ask enough! How much is too much and how much is under selling yourself?

Here in the UK, we recommend starting with a figure that’s 10-15% above the figure you would be willing to accept. Asking for more than you want – without aiming too high – is a good rule of thumb.

Michelle advises that consistency is key: “Don’t tell one hiring manager one salary and then another a higher amount, as you will quickly lose your credibility.”

How do you politely negotiate a salary?

If you are liaising through a recruiter then lean on them, they will be able to help guide you and facilitate the conversation. If you are applying independently and speaking directly with the hiring manager then keep the negotiations calm, polite and professional.

Using a calm and neutral tone is essential – avoid getting emotional and stick to the facts and figures as we have discussed above. Explain your reasons clearly and always thank the employer for their time at the end of the conversation.

It’s essential to be consistent, Richard advises: “Make sure you are 100% comfortable with the offered salary before confirming. Don’t agree and then ask for more later!”

What happens if the company will not negotiate?

Occasionally there is just not room for an employer to negotiate on remuneration. There are other factors you can consider and negotiate these accordingly instead – such a holiday allowance, benefits, bonuses and flexible working.

If there is no option to increase the salary offer, you’ll then need to decide if the salary is the most important factor for you in this new role – or if the organisation’s flexibility and culture are more desirable. Don’t be afraid to walk away, but be sure you have carefully weighed up all of your options and the role’s attractions before making your decision.

5 tips for negotiating your salary

1. Make your conversation about facts
2. Discuss it with your recruiter
3. Factor in the salary with perks and benefits
4. Practice it with a friend
5. Get everything in writing

Are you interested in seeing how much more you could be earning? If you’d like us to help you land a new job that you love, then submit your CV today.