Salary negotiation

A salary negotiation can be terrifying, thrilling, stressful, or frustrating, but ultimately determines your financial situation for the next 12 months.

Often, companies do not mention the salary range in the job vacancy posts:

How do you start salary negotiation if you’re going for an interview?

In many countries, there is no minimum wage law, and salary is a negotiated price between you and your prospective employer.

A company will pay you less than the value you create to maximize profit. That’s just how capitalism works.

➡️ Market potential determines what companies will offer you, not just your skills or the friendliness of the recruiter.

Do your research

It is good practice to find the salary range for your profile before your interview. You can find it at:

⏤ Glassdoor salaries page and

⏤ Asking peers or industry professionals

Market advantage

When a company offers a lower salary, it isn't about your skills, but rather it is taking advantage of market conditions.

Save time for yourself

Preparing interviews that match your worth and what the employer can offer can save you both time and money.

Do not undervalue yourself

The first thing to keep in mind during salary negotiations is to stop saying yes too fast. Never accept anything out of desperation that undervalues you.

The majority of candidates prepare and practice for technical interviews but give only minimal attention to salary negotiations.

The fear of losing time, being unemployed, and losing an opportunity is on every job seeker's mind during salary negotiations.

To make candidates more anxious and lower their self-confidence, recruiters often highlight candidates' weaknesses.

In this way, the recruiter can persuade the candidate to accept a lower salary than they deserve.

Spell out your worth

Your salary expectations should be accompanied by a minimum of two noteworthy accomplishments (relevant to the open position) from your experience, awards, client feedback, and colleague recommendations.

Each achievement, however small, adds up to credibility and proves your value to employers.

Look beyond salary

Consider additional benefits beyond salary, such as relocation assistance, private medical insurance, annual return tickets, accommodation and transportation allowances, and vehicle and mobile phone allowances.

Practice, practice, and practice

With practice comes improvement. Practice with a friend, colleague, or mentor the salary negotiations you’re likely to have with the hiring manager.

Having this experience can lead to unexpected questions that could help avoid uncomfortable situations in the future.

Getting prepared for an interview increases your confidence, reduces stress, builds rapport, and leaves a better first impression.

"Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” – John F. Kennedy

Wishing you great success, keep winning!

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