So you’ve gotten a job offer, hooray! Now you’re apparently supposed to negotiate your salary, but how?
Lots of people are intimidated by this process, so don’t feel bad if you’re among them. The trick to salary negotiation is in the framing of it. You aren’t asking for more money because you’re nice or cute or because you want new shoes. You’re asking for it because you bring things to the table that the employer wants!
In order to start the conversation, first acknowledge your excitement and then ask your questions: “Thank you so much for the opportunity! I’m very enthusiastic about this role. I’d love to get the offer in writing, but I also wonder if there is room for negotiation on the salary.” The answer to that question, of course, will be either yes or no, but either way, the conversation doesn’t end there.
If they say yes, you’ll want to have done some homework so you can give them the range you’re hoping for: “Wonderful! With my skills in ABC and my years of experience, I think a typical range is between $X and $Z. Would around $Y work?” You’re framing it as a conversation, rather than dictating terms, as the latter can be off-putting and demanding, and might even lead them to rescind the offer because they see you in a new and unpleasant light. So remember that your goal is for everyone to win in this conversation!
But what if they say no? All hope isn’t lost. Next you’ll ask if there’s room for negotiation on the benefits. Again, some research in advance will be beneficial to you here, because you might have specific things that you’d like to get to make up for any shortcomings with the salary. These can include things like a flexible or hybrid schedule, more paid time off, or larger employer contributions to your retirement fund, but don’t forget some of the more creative options. Identify things that would really sweeten the pot for you, and consider such options as gym memberships, transit passes, discounts on goods or services, childcare options, and so forth. It can be helpful to jot down a list of these so you can easily remember what’s appealing to you.
And even then we’re not done, because either way, you want to add a conversation about when you can be evaluated for a raise and what criteria you would need to meet in order for that to happen. This is especially true if they weren’t able to offer you a larger salary, and in that case, it’s important to request that information in writing. It’s not an absolute guarantee, of course, but it will help you make your case if there are shenanigans at levels above you that might make the reluctant to give you that pay bump.
Most importantly, don’t forget that you always have the option to walk away. You are not obliged to accept an offer simply because you get one, even if it’s the only one you’ve gotten. (If your finances are in a place that would require you to accept almost anything, try to think of this first offer as a stopgap, because economic need shouldn’t dictate your entire career path.) Sometimes if you simply tell them that that offer isn’t going to work for you, they might manage to come up with more money, but even if not, you can walk away knowing that your work has value and you did right by yourself for articulating that.
