10 Secrets about how to negotiate salary in an interview. With examples!

Navigating the tricky salary negotiation playing field can be as challenging as it is crucial. For many, salary ranks among the highest considerations when deciding whether to take a new job or not. However, knowing when to bring up the subject can be daunting, especially when it comes to interviews. Luckily, some secrets can help you learn how to negotiate salary in an interview.

In this article, we’ll reveal some of the top secrets you need to know about salary negotiations so you can get the best offer possible. Here’s what we’ll cover.

• 10 secrets to effectively learn how to negotiate salary in an interview

• Salary negotiation etiquette and things to avoid

• 4 examples of how to go through salary negotiations

10 Secrets to effectively learn how to negotiate salary in an interview

If you do plan to discuss your salary expectations during an interview, waiting to do so until the second interview is usually the best option. Generally, you should wait for the employer to bring up the topic, which is typically toward the end of the interview.

It’s important to be prepared for this conversation, which is why planning ahead of time is so important. As you go through the interview process, here are some salary negotiation secrets you’ll want to keep in mind:

1. Research the role

It’s not enough just to know what your salary expectations are. You also need to know what is customary in the role you are interviewing for, the industry, and the company. You want to come into a salary negotiation already knowing what is fair and reasonable for a salary and benefits compensation package.

2. Talk to a mentor

A little advice goes a long way. Part of your research should involve speaking to those you trust and who know your skills well. This could come from a mentor or a career coach. The idea here is to talk to someone who you can bounce salary ideas off of. One benefit of asking for guidance is that it can make you feel more confident about your pitch, expectations, and the salary negotiation process as a whole.

3. Stay professional and enthusiastic

Hiring managers love to see applicants who maintain their professionalism and who are excited about the opportunity in front of them. This is something you should remember throughout your interview and salary negotiations. Maintain a positive tone, don’t make demands, and focus on negotiating a mutually beneficial salary package.

4. Remember, it’s more than base salary

Salary isn’t the only thing you should think about when you’re learning how to negotiate salary in an interview. You need to consider the full benefits package. Some other aspects to consider are bonuses, employee benefits, career advancement opportunities, and even stock options. When you add these benefits to your salary, you may discover that your overall benefits package is much better than you first thought.

5. Know your value

Above all, you need to know what value you bring to the table. The skills you have developed in your career are key to a company’s success, and you shouldn’t sell yourself short. But, it’s not enough to know your value. You also need to show a hiring manager why you’re worth taking a risk on. Show them how your skills and qualifications warrant a higher salary and how they can make an impact on the company.

6. Align yourself with the company’s values

One way you can show your own value is by aligning yourself with the company’s values and needs. Demonstrate that you understand the company’s goals and that your skills are needed to reach them. You should also show that you are a great fit for the company’s culture and that you have a genuine interest in helping the company grow.

7. Stay flexible

It’s great to come into an interview with a salary goal, but staying rigid with your demands may limit your opportunities. Instead, work with the hiring manager to come up with a package that will fit your needs and that of the company. Staying flexible helps you build rapport and trust with the hiring manager and can keep the negotiation moving positively. Without a little flexibility, you may find yourself unable to reach a compromise that ends with you landing the position.

8. Use active listening and nonverbal cues

Active listening and picking up on nonverbal cues can help tremendously when you are negotiating your salary. Often, a hiring manager will give you a few hints as to what the compensation package will look like throughout the interview. You can use this information to plan your negotiation strategy as you progress with the interview.

9. Practice your pitch

It’s not a bad idea to do a little practicing before the interview. Write a pitch, then present it to someone you trust who can give constructive feedback. Practicing helps you to improve your negotiation tactics and makes you more confident. Along with practicing your pitch, you should practice a few counteroffer scenarios so you are prepared for everything that might come up.

10. Get it in writing

Finally, after you’ve successfully negotiated your salary package during an interview, don’t forget to get it in writing. The last thing you want is to agree to certain terms only to find they’ve changed once you receive your offer letter. Review the written offer and ensure everything is covered before you move forward with the hiring process.

Salary negotiation etiquette and things to avoid

During any salary negotiation, the goal is to keep things positive, productive, and professional. Remember that this is a company you hope to have a long-term working relationship with, which means you want to start on a positive note.

One way to do that is by following salary negotiation etiquette and avoiding certain things during this part of the interview. Here are just a few tips to keep in mind when you are developing a job offer with a potential employer:

• Show gratitude. Maintaining gratitude throughout the negotiation keeps things positive and shows that you respect the company and the hiring manager’s time. 

• Be specific about what you want to see in a compensation package. Support your requests with examples and evidence of your value.

• Avoid making comparisons. Don’t compare your salary package to other employees or criticize a company’s compensation practices. You should keep your focus on showing the hiring manager what value you bring to the company and why you are worth the salary you are requesting.

• Don’t forget about your long-term goals. Negotiating a salary doesn’t just involve the here and now. Whatever benefits package you agree to should also fit your goals for the foreseeable future.

4 Examples of how to go through salary negotiations

Along with determining what you feel is a fair salary package for the role you are applying for, it’s a good idea to plan out some phrases you can use when negotiating. Below are four examples you can customize to fit your circumstances:

1. Additional benefits

“I understand the constraints regarding the salary, but would it be possible to discuss other benefit options, such as additional vacation days, bonus opportunities, or additional retirement plan options?”

2. Counteroffer

“Thank you for your offer. I’m excited about the opportunity! Can you give me a little more context about the salary? Is there any flexibility there? I was hoping for a salary closer to [your desired salary].”

3. Your value

“I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a great team! Given my experience in [relevant skills], I believe I can bring much value to this role. Could we possibly discuss adjusting the salary to reflect this?”

4. Other compensation

“Before I accept the offer, I want to discuss the proposed compensation. I was hoping to explore alternate compensation structures, such as performance bonuses or profit sharing. Is that something the company would consider?

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Key takeaways

1. Salary negotiations should usually be delayed until the later stages of the interview process so you have time to research the market, consider offers, and show your value.

2. When negotiating your salary, consider the full compensation package and remain professional and enthusiastic at all times.

3. Be specific about your salary expectations, show your gratitude, and prioritize your long-term goals during salary negotiations.