What to Do and Not Do in Salary Negotiation

Salary negotiation is an important step in job recruitment. You might end up getting underpaid if you skip this step and struggle for months, even years. Here are some tips when negotiating your salary in a job interview.

Questions about salary expectations are among the trickiest questions you’ll face during an interview process, especially if you have just freshly graduated from university. You certainly don’t want to be too ambitious by asking too much and chasing away potential employers. Yet, on the other hand, you don’t want your skills and knowledge to be undervalued with low salary expectations.

While negotiating your salary with a prospective employer can be a daunting task, it’s a crucial step that you cannot miss. If you are not confident, this article can help you list out what you should do and not do when negotiating your salary.

Do A Salary Research

Ideally, you should already have a rough idea about the salary range of the position that you’re applying to, even when you’re just sending your CV to the recruiter. Do a thorough research of how much other companies are willing to pay for a similar position. There are various websites that specifically provide salary information from multiple sectors and job roles. Doing this should give you a baseline of your salary expectations.

Do Ask for Advice

While the internet can provide useful information, sometimes you cannot solely use it as a reference. Try reaching out to people who currently work in the company or position that you’re applying for. Ask them regarding the salary expectation, standard compensation that you should receive in that position, and other benefits that you might not have considered.

Do Show Your Value

More than asking for a certain salary, it’s also necessary to explain why you are worthy of that number. Highlight how your skills can help the company reach its goals. However, overdoing this can pass you as arrogant. Aim to communicate your value politely and respectfully. Practicing this part with trusted friends can help you strike the right tone and avoid unnecessary offenses.

Do Be Flexible

Sometimes you won’t get the number you want because of various reasons. Fixed salary caps, for example, won’t get your negotiation anywhere. When this is the case, try to be flexible and consider other benefits as alternatives. Negotiate additional work-from-home schedules, vacation times, and overtime bonuses. Ensure that these offers also work in your favor, so you won’t be disappointed by the final result.

Don’t Rush the Topic Too Early

Avoid bringing up salary too quickly unless the interviewer initiates it first. Mentioning this prematurely can make you seem impolite or overly focused on compensation, which might hurt your chances. Instead, follow the natural flow of the interview, and when salary does come up, be ready to confidently share what you’ve practiced.

Don’t Be Aggressive 

Salary is a sensitive subject to talk about. While it’s crucial to be confident during salary negotiation, it’s important to watch your tone so you won’t come off as stubborn and aggressive. During the interview, listen to the interviewer and only respond when they finish their sentences.

Don’t Give Up Too Quickly

The key to a successful salary negotiation is patience. You shouldn’t give up too quickly when it seems that your negotiation doesn’t come through. If the hiring manager says no to your request, negotiate other offers that may benefit you, like commuting expenses or accommodations. If you’re confident of your worth, don’t be afraid to discuss more to achieve an equally satisfactory result for you and your future company.

In the end, don’t be afraid to walk away if your salary negotiation doesn’t go well and the employer doesn’t offer worthy additional benefits to compensate for it. The takeaway is that you must know the average salary for your position and the skills you possess, so you have a strong foundation going into the negotiation.

This article is updated on 26 May 2025.

Next read: 6 Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them