Salary negotiation doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable conversation. With the right preparation and frame of mind, you can go into salary negotiations confidently without making it awkward. In this article, we will explain in detail the best way to navigate this phase, a very critical step in your career, while providing practical tips on how to negotiate salary like a pro.

Do Your Homework: Know Your Worth

Before you enter any kind of negotiation, you must have an idea about the prevailing market rate regarding your role, industry, and location. Sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com give a clear-cut range of what professionals with your skills and experience are making. Having this data in your pocket gives you a factual foundation to support your request.

Pro tip: when you negotiate for fully remote jobs, consider that salary patterns differ depending on where a company is based. Adjust your expectations to fit in accordingly.

Timing Is Everything

What’s the golden rule in salary negotiation? Timing. One wouldn’t want to get into it too early in the hiring process or at a certain point in time when one knows the company won’t accommodate one’s ask. Time the negotiation right: right after receiving a formal job offer, which means after they decided one is the best candidate for the job. The employer has already invested time and effort in selecting you, so there’s more chance they will meet your expectations.

Never talk about salary too early in an interview, say the first interview. If questioned, a polite answer could be, “I’d rather discuss salary once we know I am right for the position,” and thus steer the discussion toward your qualifications.

Enter the Conversation with Confidence, Not Apology

One of the biggest mistakes people make is coming into a salary negotiation with an apologetic tone. Setting up phrases like “I’m sorry, but could we talk about salary?” serves only to weaken your position. Instead, focus on confidence. You have just earned the offer—now it’s time to make sure the compensation reflects the fact.
Even better, “I’m very excited about the opportunity and I think that I would bring a lot of value to your team. Based on my research and experience, I was hoping we could discuss salary to make sure it’s at an industry-competitive level.”

Practice Makes Perfect

Before your negotiation, practice what you’re going to say. Find a friend or family member to role-play with you—or even practice in front of the mirror. This can help you feel more confident and less awkward when it’s time to have that real conversation.

Pro tip: Record yourself practicing and then analyze your tone, body language, and word choice to make sure you sound assertive and assured, not defensive or hesitant.

Build the Conversation of Value, Not Need

A big mistake that many candidates make while negotiating bases the negotiation on personal needs: “I need this salary because rent is so expensive.” It may sound unprofessional. Instead, highlight the value you can bring to the company. Remember to mention your skills and achievements that correspond to your demands.
It will go something like, “Given my experience of 5 years in project management and in view of my success with projects delivered always on time and under budget, I believe a salary in the range of $X aligns with industry standards.”

Be Prepared to Compromise

Not only is it important to know one’s worth, but it is equally important to stay flexible. Many times, companies may not be in a position to meet your inquired salary, but they could offer bonuses, stock options, extra time off from work, or even flexible working conditions such as working from home. Be open with regard to discussing job benefits related to your salary that could make it more attractive.

Pro tip: If the employer is not able to provide your expected salary now, ask if they will consider a six-month salary review based on performance.

Don’t Fear Silence—Make Use of It

Though awkward silences may feel incredibly uncomfortable, they’re actually one of the most powerful negotiation tools. After making the request, give them time to contemplate the request. Don’t fill the silence with unnecessary justifications or backtracking. Sometimes, the best thing to say is nothing.

Be gracious, whatever the result

This can be gratifying whether this is the employer’s salary expectation or not. If getting the salary one wished for, probably express your excitement and appreciation. If that can’t meet your number but offer a decent compromise, acknowledge the offer and request some time to consider. Whatever the outcome, a professional and positive attitude always leaves a good impression.

Conclusion: Negotiate Salary without the Weirdness

Salary negotiation doesn’t necessarily have to be uncomfortable. The right preparation, confidence, and value-based approach will do the trick. Remember, this is all about being one’s own advocate of their value in a professional manner. So, go ahead, empowered, into your next salary negotiation—you might just be surprised at how easy that can be!