Talking about salary can be uncomfortable. Whether you’re accepting a new job or asking for a raise in your current role, negotiating compensation is often one of the trickiest parts of professional life. But here’s the truth: salary negotiation is not just about money—it’s about knowing your worth, setting clear expectations, and communicating with confidence.
The good news? Anyone can master these negotiations with the proper attitude and a few clever strategies. Let’s break down how to go about salary negotiation and increase your chances of receiving what you’re worth.
1. Begin with Research
Research before you go into any salary negotiation. You must know what the market compensates an individual with your experience, qualifications, and job title in your area.
Where to find:
- Salary sites such as Glassdoor, Payscale, and Levels.fyi
- Employment boards where salary ranges are posted
- Conversing with colleagues in your occupation (where available)
If you enter a negotiation with some idea of the numbers, you’re less anxious—and it’s less easy for an employer to lowball you.
2. Know Your Value
This isn’t just title-for-title. Add up what you have to offer:
- Specialized skills or certification
- Years of experience
- Previous achievement and performance
- Skill to reveal the source of specific problems or drive outcomes
Create a list of achievements that reflect your impact. Did you hang on to business cash? Led an effective project? Streamlined processes or increased customer satisfaction? Quantify those victories. They’re your bargaining leverage.
3. Practice Your Ask
Confidence does not equal being assertive—it equals being prepared.
Rehearse what you’re going to say beforehand. Be respectful, professional, and fact-oriented, and try not to be emotional. Here is an example script:
- “In considering my research and the contribution I can make to the position, I was thinking in terms of a range such as [your target range]. Would we be able to make that an opening point for discussion?
Notice how it asks to discuss it instead of demanding something. Be firm but adaptable. And never forget a trinity—your dream number, your practical number, and your walk-away number.
4. Timing Matters
Negotiating pay when you negotiate it may be as critical as how you negotiate it.
- At job offer time: Don’t mention it until they’ve extended the offer. That’s when they’re most willing to meet halfway.
- At a current job: Phrase it in terms of performance reviews, successful project completion, or company budget cycles.
Avoid talking about money during first interviews or stressful work periods. A timed ask feels considerate, not aggressive.
5. Emphasize Total Compensation
Pay is only half. Benefits and perks can be a significant addition to your total package.
Consider:
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Paid time off
- Stock options or bonuses
- Flexible work from home
- Learning and development support
If an employer cannot meet your salary demand, they may be able to offer something else worthwhile. Be open to out-of-the-box thinking—but not for less than your value.
6. Don’t Be Afraid of Silence
This is one that takes practice: after stating your salary needs, don’t say anything. Don’t fill the void of silence. Let them respond.
It will be uncomfortable, but silence lends gravity to your words. It provides room to make them think about your request rather than immediately saying no.
7. Be Professional—Always
No matter how they respond, remain polite. Don’t take it personally. This is a business negotiation.
If you’re offered less than you wanted, you can respond:
- “Thank you for the offer. I had in mind something more along the lines of [your number]. Is there some flexibility here?”
You’re not backing down from anything—they’re seeing your self-worth and negotiating skills.
8. Be Prepared to Walk Away
This is hard but it’s worth it. If the offer is not satisfactory, and there is not space to negotiate, be prepared to walk away with dignity. Your time, talent, and health are worth it.
Occasionally saying “no” makes better opportunities avail—or demonstrates seriousness to the employer that will lead to a better offer.
9. Follow Up in Writing
After an agreement is made, have it in writing. Whether a new job or raise, request a written confirmation of salary, benefits, start date, and bonus or promotion information.
It is not a matter of trust—it is a matter of clarity.
10. Keep Building Your Worth
Negotiation is not a one-time event—it’s a career skill set. Keep records of your successes, learn new skills, volunteer for stretch assignments, and get feedback.
When the next offer or raise comes, you’ll have a fresh list of reasons to enhance your case.
Last Things to Consider
Salary negotiation can be scary, but it’s learnable. By doing research on your value, understanding your worth, being assertive, and being patient, you can make salary negotiations development experiences—rather than experiences inducing stress.
Keep in mind: it’s not about asking for a higher salary. It’s about starting a respectful discussion, building trust, and defining your career on your own terms.
So the next time you’re preparing for a raise or job offer, don’t shy away. Step up, speak up—and own your worth.
So the next time you’re preparing for a raise or job offer as an AI software engineer, don’t shy away. Step up, speak up—and own your worth.
