Get the remuneration package you deserve with our salary negotiation scripts
Artwork by: Antonina Kasyanikova
- How do you negotiate on your salary?
- Situation 1: Interview stage
- Situation 2: After accepting the job offer
- Situation 3: When you’re receiving a promotion at work
- Key takeaways
Asking for the right amount of salary can be a challenging task. To help you get the remuneration package you think you deserve, we’ve prepared a number of scripts that you can use during your salary negotiation discussions.
Working a high-paid job is a dream for many. However, what most professionals don’t realize is that they can get the salary they deserve by working on their negotiation skills. And this is where a professionally-written salary negotiation script will come in handy.
Keep reading on to learn more about:
Negotiating on your salary
The right scripts for salary negotiations
How do you negotiate on your salary?
Before you start any discussions on your salary, you need to show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. Make a solid first impression on the interviewer and stay confident during the conversation. This will allow the interviewer to ease into the discussion on your salary.
In most cases, a discussion on salary is likely to arise when you’re being interviewed for a job, you’ve successfully secured a job, or you’re receiving a promotion at work and your compensation package is being revised. Let’s take a look at the most appropriate scripts for each scenario.
Situation 1: Interview stage
During a job interview, your interviewer is likely to ask you your salary expectations and/or current salary right off the bat. The trick is to provide a salary range, instead of quoting a specific number. Also, you don’t have to disclose your current salary if you don’t feel comfortable.
Example #1: (when you’re not comfortable disclosing your current salary)
Thank you for your question. However, I don’t wish to share this information right now. I would like to take this opportunity to learn more about the job duties and expectations and how I fit in. I think it would be best if we discuss all matters related to compensation later.
Example #2: (when the employer wants to know your salary expectations)
My salary expectation for this role is within $[number] to $[number]. Given my experience in the field and the average wage rates for similar job roles in this industry, I believe that any number within this range is in accordance with my core competencies and the value I will bring to your organization. Having said that, I am open to negotiations.
Example #3: (when the salary proposed by the hiring manager is too low)
I deeply appreciate your eagerness to let me be a part of your team and let me make an impact on your organization. However, before we proceed any further, can we discuss my salary first? Based on my research, a salary that falls anywhere between $[number] and $[number] is acceptable for this job role. What do you think?
Situation 2: After accepting the job offer
Contrary to popular belief, you can negotiate on your salary after accepting a job offer. But before you think of doing that, make sure to do your research, figure out what other people with the same job title are being paid in your industry and state, and come up with some numbers for a strong counteroffer.
Example #1: (when you want your employer to match another offer)
I’m really excited and eager to begin my work, and I look forward to meeting my new team members. However, I have just received another offer from [employer name], and they’re willing to offer me a compensation package of $[number]. I feel like this figure more accurately represents my skills and qualifications, and I was wondering if your company is willing to match the offer.
Example #2: (when you don’t have another offer lined up)
While I’m excited about the nature of the job, I feel that the compensation package is on the lower end of my expectations. After conducting some research and evaluating my skills, I believe my compensation should be within the range of $[number] to $[number]. If you’re willing to improve my salary to any figure within this range, I will accept your offer.
Situation 3: When you’re receiving a promotion at work
If you’re being promoted at work, there’s a chance that the revised salary package might fall short of your expectations. It’s possible for the company to not have revised the salary for that job role after the previous employee left or was let go. Since you’ve probably worked at the organization for some time and you’re familiar with all the processes, you have a strong case to ask for a better compensation package.
Example #1: (when you want a higher salary)
Thank you for considering me for the new job role. I’m excited to learn more about the new role and how I can contribute positively toward it. Having said that, I believe there’s something we need to discuss first before we move forward.
I realized that the expected salary for this job role is $[number]. Since I’ve been with the organization for [X] years, during which I have made significant contributions to help the company scale for growth and expand its operations, I would appreciate it if my salary is revised to more accurately reflect my experience with the company, value proposition, and work ethic.
I’ve also been researching other companies in the same industry and I’ve noticed an average annual salary for this job role to be between $[number] and $[number]. For this reason, I believe my revised compensation should fall within this range.
Example #2: (when you need other perks)
I appreciate you considering me for this job role. Having worked at this role across other organizations, I strongly believe I have the right blend of skills, experience, and aptitude to help the department scale for growth.
You mentioned your best offer is $[number] with [X] vacation days, but I would really appreciate it if my compensation package includes [Y] vacation days and a potential to revisit my salary after completing a probationary period in the new job role. If these are reasonable conditions you’re willing to accept, I’m more than happy to accept this new role.
Whether you need tips on negotiating your compensation package or assistance with job search, we’re here to help you out.
Key takeaways
1. There are multiple situations where you should consider negotiating on your salary, such as when you’re being interviewed for a job, you’ve accepted a job, and/or you’ve been promoted.
2. Before you think about starting a discussion on salary negotiation, make sure to do your research and come up with an acceptable salary range.
3. Spend some time working on a salary negotiation script, and use that script to start a conversation with your supervisor or HR manager.
