How to Negotiate Your Salary and Get What You Deserve

Why Most People Don't Negotiate — And Why That's a Costly Mistake

Studies show that fewer than 40% of job seekers negotiate their first salary offer. The reasons are familiar: fear of seeming greedy, worry about the offer being rescinded, or simply not knowing how. But the financial cost is enormous. A £5,000 difference in starting salary — compounded with annual raises over a 10-year career — can amount to over £60,000 in lost earnings.

Employers expect negotiation. The first offer is rarely the best offer. Learning to negotiate is one of the highest-return skills you can develop.

Step 1: Research Your Market Value Before the Conversation

Negotiating without data is negotiating blind. Know your number before any offer call:

• Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary: Search for your exact role and location to see salary ranges.
• Levels.fyi: Essential for tech roles — shows total compensation including equity and bonuses.
• Industry surveys: Professional associations and industry bodies often publish annual compensation reports.
• Network: Ask trusted peers what they earn. Salary transparency is growing — use it.

Aim for a target range, not a single number. Know your ideal figure, your realistic expectation, and your walk-away point.

Step 2: Let Them Name the Number First

Whenever possible, let the employer state the salary range before you do. If asked "What are your salary expectations?" early in the process, it's acceptable to say: "I'd love to understand the full scope of the role before discussing compensation. Could you share the budgeted range?"

If you must give a number first, anchor high within a researched range and frame it around market data, not personal need.

Step 3: Script Your Negotiation in Advance

The offer call is not the time to improvise. Prepare your exact words. A proven template:

"Thank you so much — I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and the team. I've done some research on market rates for this role, and based on my experience in [X] and [Y], I was expecting something closer to [your number]. Is there flexibility to get there?"

Then stop talking. Silence is your friend. Let them respond.

Step 4: Negotiate the Full Package — Not Just Base Salary

Base salary is just one part of your total compensation. If the base is fixed, negotiate:

• Signing bonus: Often easier to approve than a higher base salary.
• Equity / stock options: Can be worth more than the base in the right company.
• Performance review timeline: Ask for a 6-month review instead of 12 months.
• Remote working flexibility: Valued differently by different candidates — use it if it matters to you.
• Professional development budget: Conferences, courses, certifications.
• Additional annual leave: Rarely advertised as negotiable, but often is.

Step 5: Handle Counteroffers Professionally

If the employer counters below your ask, don't accept immediately and don't walk away immediately. Ask for time: "Thank you — could I have 24-48 hours to consider this?" Then evaluate the full package. If you're still below your minimum, one more ask is reasonable: "I really want to make this work. Is there any way to close the gap to [X]?"

What If They Say No?

A firm "the salary is fixed" is rare. But if it happens, you have options. Accept with grace if the role is right. Ask to revisit at a 6-month review. Or — if it's genuinely below your minimum — decline professionally. You never have to take a role that doesn't work for your life.

The Long Game: Negotiating Raises Once You're in the Role

Negotiation doesn't stop at the offer stage. Track your achievements throughout the year in a "wins document." Request your performance review proactively. Come prepared with data — what you've delivered, what it's worth to the business, and what you're asking for. The same skills that win a starting salary negotiation win you raises and promotions too.

Before any negotiation, arm yourself with market data. Browse our salary guides for your role — software engineer, product manager, data scientist, and more. And when you're ready for the interview, check out our role-specific interview guides.