Most people accept the first number because asking feels awkward. A polite, prepared ask is normal and often works.
Direct answer
To negotiate salary, research typical pay for the role, decide your target and your minimum, wait for the offer, then reply warmly with a specific number backed by your value. If they can't meet it, ask about other terms such as a signing bonus, leave or an early review. Get the final agreement in writing.
Before you negotiate
- Research: pay for similar roles in your place, from job posts and trusted salary sources.
- Know your numbers: your target, your minimum, and your alternatives (another offer or staying put).
- List your value: results, skills and what you'll bring.
- Practise aloud.
What to say for a job offer
Thank you, I'm excited about the role. Based on my research and the experience I bring, I was hoping for around 62,000. Is there flexibility?
Then stop talking. Silence is part of negotiating.
An email example
Subject: Re: Offer for Marketing Coordinator
Hi Priya, thank you for the offer. I'm very keen to join. Having looked at the role and similar positions, I'd like to ask whether we could agree a salary of 62,000, given my experience running campaigns for two years. Happy to talk it through. Best, Sam
Numbers are examples. Use your own research.
For a raise
- Collect your results from the past year.
- Book a conversation with your manager.
- Say what you've delivered and the figure you're asking for.
- Ask what is needed if the answer is not now, and agree a date to review.
If the answer is no
- Ask what would change it.
- Negotiate other items: bonus, leave, hours, training, title.
- Agree a review in three to six months.
- Decide whether the offer works for you.
Mistakes
- Giving an exact number too early
- Apologising for asking
- Making ultimatums
- Accepting verbally and not checking the written offer
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's Negotiation Skills for Beginners course covers preparing, naming a number, finding trades that help both sides and closing in writing. It's free to start. For job-search steps around the offer, see how to get hired.
The bottom line
Prepare, ask politely and get it in writing.
