Want more money? These are the 5 steps to negotiating a better salary

This will be you (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61)

You’ve done it – after countless applications, phone calls with recruiters and interviews with hiring managers, you finally received an offer for your dream job…before you accept it, you need to know how to negotiate your salary.  

Yes it can be challenging, but you have to start off your role on the best foot. You want to feel as confident as possible and you don’t want the thought in the back of your head that you could have – and should have – asked for more money.  

These five simple strategies will get you started… 

Do your research 

First, research the salary range for the type of role you’re being offered. Make sure you know how much you can earn on the job market by considering all compensation factors, including industry, experience level and location.  

Use this as a benchmark for your own negotiation. Speak to recruitment consultants about the kind of salary you could command if you looked for an equivalent job, or go on job sites such as the Metro Job Board and see what’s being advertised right now. 

Pro tip: You want to convey to your employer that your data is grounded in reality. Begin each statement by saying, ‘Based on my research…’ so your potential employer knows you’re not just asking for a higher salary for the sake of it. 

Understand your value 

Come to the meeting prepared with various business-related reasons to show you’re worth a certain amount.  

Outline your strengths and accomplishments with confidence and conviction. Have facts and figures at the ready. Know how to communicate your value and what you bring to the role so you can confidently negotiate the salary you’re looking for. 

Pro tip: Write down any valuable talking points you made throughout the interview process and use them to emphasise your skills and experience during negotiation. 

Practise the conversation 

Practise what you’re going to say to someone you trust, for example, a friend or a family member. It helps if they’re familiar with the role or industry you’ve interviewed for so they can offer specific tips on your salary negotiation pitch.  

Ask them to judge if what you are saying makes sense and if it’s compelling. Saying your talking points out loud not only helps you work through them, but it can also help build your confidence which is critical when negotiating.  

Remember your employer has probably negotiated countless times and is going to be quite comfortable talking about money. 

Be prepared to back yourself (Picture: Getty Images)

Pro tip: Practising your talking points is especially important if this is your first time negotiating. 

Consider other things to negotiate 

You can negotiate more than your salary. Consider which employee benefits and perks might be negotiable, even if the pay isn’t.  

Other benefits may include remote working, flexi time, bonuses, health insurance, transportation reimbursement, child-care or senior care benefits, holidays and gym discounts.  

Pro tip: Consider what you value the most and whether or not you’d be willing to accept a lower monetary offer if it came with one of these perks. 

Be prepared to walk away 

The process of negotiation rarely goes as rehearsed, so it’s important to establish some limits.  

Work out the minimum amount you’d accept and be prepared to decline the job offer if you’re offered an amount that’s less than that. It’s also important to communicate this if your potential employer makes such an offer.  

Be clear about what you expect and show your willingness to walk away if they don’t meet your expectations. This shows that you’re confident and understand your own value. 

And if you’re not fully satisfied with your current offer, know that now is a great time to explore all your options. Your first stop? Head to the Metro Job Board where you can browse hundreds of jobs now. Here are three hiring this week… 

Medical Research Council is recruiting an International Funding Officer to join its International Relations board of directors in Swindon. The successful hire will provide operational support for research grant and funding scheme administration as well as collaborating closely with applicants, panel members and staff to ensure the smooth running of panel meetings. To apply, you’ll need A-level or equivalent qualifications, plus relevant administrative experience at committee/board level. Note, this position is hybrid-remote. 

MyDentist is seeking a Newly Qualified Dentist to join a friendly, experienced and supportive practice team in Tottenham. A competitive package is on offer as is access to the largest clinical support network in UK dentistry, designed to support your wellbeing, career development and ability to  grow your income.  

Liberty Global has an open position for a Senior Manager IT Audit to join its team in London. You will oversee the execution and formal reporting of IT internal audits and manage departmental initiatives such as talent development, risk alignment and audit efficiency monitoring and improvement. To apply you’ll need a degree, preferably in IT, technology, accounting, internal audit or another qualified discipline as well as several years’ of experience with IT audit. Liberty Global’s generous perks include access to well-being and mental health benefits such as the Calm app, personal medical, critical illness cover and dental insurance as well as offering 25 days annual leave, with the option to purchase five more. 

Head to the Metro Job Board for even more inspiration from employers hiring today and find your next career move 

It can be daunting, but these tips may help get you that boost.