How to Negotiate Salary: 5 Best Ways

Salary negotiation is the most important phase of your job search process. Because an effective salary negotiation directly impacts your earnings and standard of living. There are many job seekers who accept the salary that they get! But this is simply undervaluing yourself. Common mistakes that are seen are a lack of research about industry rates, non-clarity of salary expectation answers, and low confidence when it's time for payment negotiation. This shows how salary negotiation matters when you successfully get selected. 

1. If you are directly asked about your expectations:
Say this: “Thank you for bringing it up, I would love to know the approved salary range for this position.”
Do not:  Directly quote a number. Your assumption can be lower than the approved budget. 

2. If, they say- We don't have a specific budget approved, It completely depends on the candidate ?
Say this: “Well, my salary range is flexible and I am currently interviewing for the roles that are in the x-y range. But I am flexible depending upon the other factors of the compensation.”
Do not: Get excited and share your expectations directly. Leave a room for negotiation

3. If they say a budget which is a bit less than your expectations?
Say this: “Thank you for the transparency, but based on my experience, skills, and industry standards, I was expecting something closer to X-Y LPA”
Do not: Get offended, it’s normal. Keep your point professionally.

1. Research and Prepare: Do Your Homework

Research and preparation are the core of every strategy. Similarly, when the topic is salary negotiation, it should start with thorough homework on salary benchmarking before the discussion. Most of the job search sites in India can provide you with job opportunities, but when it comes to salary negotiation, that's where your own dependence is required. 

When you start your preparation for salary negotiation, you have to focus on what the company needs. Highlight those things and back them up with your previous achievements, like “increased on-site traffic”.  

For example, if you've contributed to any projects where you solved similar challenges that the company is facing, these accomplishments should be a major highlight of the salary discussion. 

When you decide the right time to switch jobs, you always have a Plan B. So, here also you have to be fully prepared with your research to counter salary negotiation counters. 

2. Understand Your Worth Beyond the Job Title

Sometimes, you are confident, and sometimes you may not be. But the main thing is that your worth is not limited to your job title. It covers your unique skills and results from your past experiences. For effective salary negotiation, quantify your worth wherever possible, whether in answers, resumes, or cover letters.

Nowadays it has become more important to have basic transferable skills so that you can highlight them while supporting your arguments during salary discussions. For example, if you are discussing high pay, don't only mention your expertise; tell the interviewer how you can consistently deliver results that align with the company's goals.

When you answer your question and back then with results, it creates a strong salary expectation answer, and it can work in your favor. For example, do not directly tell them a number; instead, focus on whether you deserve a high salary. To excel in this area, practice answering questions like, "Why should we offer you this package?” Referring to the list of interview questions, preparing clear, impactful responses strengthens your case during salary discussion.

3. Practice Your Pitch

A perfect answer is your key to negotiate salary. So, focus on developing a clear, concise narrative to showcase your expertise. When discussing your total compensation, focus on achievements relevant to the job. For example, if applying for full-time jobs in leadership roles, highlight situations where your strategic approach led to beneficial outcomes.

A well-prepared pitch should also address potential gaps in your qualifications. Do not hesitate to accept your deficiency and understand the areas for growth. For example, if you are not familiar with MS Excel software but have expertise in Google Sheets, pitch the hiring manager how quickly you can learn the other software.

Tip: Include questions or statements that lead to productive salary discussion:

• “Based on the role's responsibilities, I believe my expectations align with market rates.”

• “Can we discuss how my contributions justify a high salary?”

It's important to practice for different scenarios, especially when addressing HR questions like “What’s your salary expectation answer?” By preparing your responses and aligning them with the company’s goals, you ensure impactful conversations. You can even send a Follow-Up Email After Interview for leaving a lasting impression after the meeting.

4. Consider Alternative Compensation

While high pay is a common focus, non-salary benefits like stock options, remote work, or additional vacation days can also add significant value to negotiate salary. During salary negotiation, you can bring these into the salary discussion. For example, if the employer is not agreeing to meet your salary pay negotiation, you have to explore options like performance bonuses or learning opportunities.

Timing plays a crucial role in introducing these perks. For example, during the final salary discussion, you can say:

• “If the budget for salary is fixed, I’d love to explore additional perks that align with my growth.”

Negotiating non-salary benefits also demonstrates flexibility, a trait employers value. While discussing benefits, ensure clarity in presenting your case. For example, if you're asking for a high salary, propose a split between immediate pay and performance-linked benefits.

5. Be Prepared for Rejection and Stay Professional

You have to accept not every salary negotiation will go your way, but you have to ensure professionalism while you leave because it gives a positive impression and may lead to future opportunities. If your salary benchmarking is rejected, do not hurry or take tension. Express your deep gratitude to them while keeping a place open in the future.

Example: 

• “I appreciate the transparency. I hope we can revisit this topic after I’ve demonstrated my impact.”

If your salary expectation answer isn't met, it doesn't matter if your salary negotiation ends in your favor or not. You can still make the best out of the salary discussion by asking for reviews or promotional opportunities in the job. 

.This shows how important it is to learn how to negotiate salary with HR. You can utilise salary negotiation tips to improve your approach to salary expectation answers. Remember, your bravery to accept setbacks showcases your maturity level and potential.

Each step above—from preparation to addressing rejection—plays a very critical role in securing a good package that reflects your value. Because with these, you are not only enhancing your abilities to negotiate salary effectively, but you are also creating opportunities for long career prospects. 

1. Calculate Your Value and Research the Market Average

First of all, calculate your value; it means identifying your worth. This can be done by identifying the factors that influence your worth. For example, highlight a unique software that sets you apart from the competition. You can even use tools like salary benchmarking for accurate calculation.

You can ask questions of yourself because these questions need to be prepared before going to negotiate salary, and it will also help in the salary discussion, like:

• “What is the national average for my role?" or 

• "How does my skill set impact compensation trends?”

2. Prepare Your Talking Points

The way you prepare for your interviews, you are required to prepare for salary negotiation also. Because you have to justify why you are entitled to get a high salary!

Make a list of answers that you will be talking about in support of your argument. These talking points will help you in the salary expectation answer during the interview process 

Tip: Rehearse the salary discussion with your friend or family members to boost confidence. 

• Be Confident and Ask for More
  Be confident and ask for a higher salary than your preferred one. For example, if the market rate is ₹1.8 lakh, ask for a salary between ₹2 and ₹2–₹2.2 lakh.
  
  

• Consider Your Expenses and Flexibility
  Job seekers forget to consider other expenses such as the cost of relocation, travel costs, ticket costs, or other small costs. These costs should be covered under your salary or allowances. So always make sure to check the salary structure carefully.

  
  

• Know When to Walk Away
  If the offer fails to meet your expectations, be professional and evaluate if other non-monetary benefits compensate for the undervalue. If yes, move further, and if no, leave the discussion on a good note. 
  
  
  

Salary negotiation is not only about asking for endless greed. It's actually your power and entitlement to ask for high pay for the worth you are providing to the company. Salary benchmarking or salary discussion: every step and strategy matters when you are planning for salary negotiation. With the insights of the above blog, you can boost your confidence for salary discussion and also learn how to negotiate salary with HR. 

If you have been rejected due to not meeting your salary requirements, do not stop applying for more job opportunities through Job Match Pro, which matches your profile with the most suitable jobs.