Win that salary negotiation: How to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer

Whether you’ve finally received that job offer after a long interview process, there may be instances when you feel that what’s being offered doesn’t match what you’re worth. When this happens, you might wonder how to negotiate a higher salary – or if it’s even okay to do so.

Salary conversations can be an uncomfortable and nerve-racking part of the hiring process. However, if you feel that the offer doesn’t align with your experience, education, skill set, and career level, it’s worth having the conversation.

Though it may be a difficult conversation, starting a salary negotiation politely and respectfully can help you get the higher salary you deserve. After all, you may be surprised by what’s possible when you ask professionally.

Here’s how to negotiate a higher salary in 14 simple steps, with salary negotiation emails and scripts to help you kickstart the conversation. 

• How to prepare for your salary negotiation: 14 steps
• Salary negotiation email template
• How to negotiate a higher salary: Examples for inspiration
• Mastering salary negotiation for success
• FAQs

How to prepare for your salary negotiation: 14 steps

It may sound premature, but you should prepare for a potential salary negotiation before your final job interview. This way, you can figure out how much you believe you're worth and gather points to strengthen your arguments.

Step 1: Evaluate yourself

You should be able to back up your expected salary or compensation package during the negotiation process. First, assess your technical qualities. 

• Years of experience: According to Jobstreet’s Compensation & Benefits report, 68% of companies offer jobs to candidates based on experience. After all, experience is the best life teacher. The more you have, the more challenges you've conquered and learned from. Your tenure will add points in your favour. 
• Leadership skills: Leadership skills are constantly part of a company’s qualifications. If you think you have a significant background in leading a team and can work with less supervision, you may raise this in your negotiation, too. 
• Career level: When the role is vertical (i.e., essentially a promotion), you should expect higher compensation since it naturally comes with additional workload and responsibilities.
• Skill level: Do you have skills that not everyone has? Highlight the technical abilities that are relevant to your new position. Detail the effort it took you to master these skills.
• Additional related certifications or licences: Spotlight any certifications or licences you have. 
• Education level: Your educational background may boost your salary depending on the role or industry. Talk about relevant degrees that merit higher pay. Did you take extra courses to help you specialise in your field? Did you have additional vocational training?

Step 2: Do your research

Make sure to research salary benchmarks. For starters, you can explore salaries to find out the going rate for your role. A thorough understanding of the market range can teach you how much similar companies pay for similar positions. You can use these market rates to justify your salary expectations. 

Here’s an idea of how companies decide how much they are willing to pay for specific roles:

• What is the average salary offered by companies in the same industry?
• What is the average salary based on education and experience?
• What is the average salary offered to professionals within the city/state/country?

Knowing all these makes you better equipped to negotiate for a reasonable but competitive salary.

Step 3: Compare multiple salary guides

As you do your research, aim to get the most comprehensive understanding of salary trends in your industry to strengthen your case. Salary guides can differ based on their sample pool, so compare multiple reliable sources to get a more accurate picture.

For example, you can cross-reference Jobstreet’s salary data with statistics from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower. This handy tool allows you to check the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile salaries for your job title and compare them to your offered salary. 

Step 4: Prepare your points

Based on your self-evaluation and research, you can now prepare your talking points for your negotiation. Why do you deserve a higher salary than what the employer is offering? Be as detailed and specific as possible. 

Discuss your achievements and contributions from previous roles using concrete examples. For instance, say you overshot the sales targets by 20% at your former job. Explain how you increased your company website's page views by 300%. Revealing these results gives your employer a better view of what you can offer and why you deserve higher pay. 

Remember the points you listed earlier. Underscore your years of experience, as well as the skills and certifications that are most relevant and in demand within your industry. 

Soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, communication, people skills, problem-solving skills, and adaptability, to name a few, can also be included and qualified through references or professional testimonials from former supervisors and/or colleagues. 

Once the discussion moves towards numbers, mention the market average usually offered for similar roles. If you show your prospective employer the clear and reasonable math behind your expected salary, you have a better chance of winning them over. 

Step 5: Ask about performance-based incentives

There may be instances when a company cannot or will not adjust their offer. When you like the company but are hesitant about its salary offer, perhaps it has other monetary incentives outside your payslip.

Don't shy away from asking about performance-based incentives. You can come up with measurable results or additional responsibilities that benefit you and your new company. 

Say you are in the digital marketing industry. You can ask if an increase is possible if you raise the brand's social media presence and engagement by x per cent in x months. Should they agree, make sure that the agreement is documented in writing to avoid any issues in the future. 

Step 6: Consider non-monetary incentives

Salary isn't the only thing a company has to offer. Jobstreet’s Hiring, Compensation & Benefits Report 2024 reveals that employers are increasingly willing to provide work-life balance benefits such as flexible working days, gym memberships, and mental health support.

Check the full package. Maybe you get free meals at the office, a medical card, a gym membership, stock options, a sign-on bonus, overtime pay, clothing allowance, or more vacation leaves. These perks might cut a chunk off your monthly expenses and may turn out equivalent to or even more valuable than your asking price. 

Step 7: Ask for the possible highest salary range fit for your skills and experience

When negotiating, aim slightly above your target to give room for negotiation and opt for a slightly higher salary based on your qualifications. This way, if your hiring manager decides to negotiate for a lower price, you may still end up with your target goal.

Step 8: Share job-related expenses

It might feel awkward to mention living costs, but these are all factors in maintaining a healthy and balanced well-being as you work towards your career goals.

Ultimately, you cannot continue reaching such goals if you stress too much about living costs. If you need to relocate to be able to accept a specific job, you can raise this in your negotiation. You may also discuss the travel or relocation costs involved in taking the role. 

Step 9: Practise your conversation

Now that you have all your key talking points in place, it’s time to practise your conversation before the actual salary negotiation.

If you’re talking to the hiring manager face-to-face or on the phone, rehearsing beforehand can build confidence and help you communicate clearly under pressure. Try running through what you’ll say with a friend, mentor, or in front of a mirror. 

You don’t need to memorise a whole script – just focus on how you'll present your value. Start by highlighting your achievements, back up your request with market research, and wrap up with how you’ll bring value to the company. 

Pay attention to your tone and try to avoid sounding uncertain or defensive. Keep your voice calm and professional, and you’ll make a positive impression on the hiring manager. 

Step 10: Be confident

During your conversation with the hiring manager, don’t be afraid to rate yourself and your skills a little higher. Not to be confused with baseless bragging or overconfidence, being self-assured means you know how committed you are and how hard you work to achieve goals. 

Focus on your accomplishments that match the job description, and let those speak for you and your worth. If you feel like you don’t have enough wins to showcase, focus on the personality traits that fit the role. 

Step 11: Prepare to be questioned

Don’t get intimidated when the hiring manager asks you about your request. Employers and recruiters ask straightforward questions to find out if you truly deserve higher compensation. 

Be prepared to answer if you have other options and if the company you are speaking with is your top choice among all the other places you have applied for. You may also be asked if you will accept the offer immediately if they agree with your requests. It confirms how committed you are to joining the company.

As much as possible, try not to negotiate if you are not committed to the company you are applying for. 

Step 12: Continue to negotiate

If the hiring manager’s response isn’t what you hoped for, don’t be discouraged. You can continue to negotiate respectfully – salary discussions are often a process, not a one-off conversation. 

Ask about the reasons why the company can’t offer a salary increase. Is it down to budgeting issues, concerns about your skills, or some other reason? This enables you to brainstorm win-win solutions that can keep both sides happy.

For example, if your potential employer isn’t sure about how well your skills will add value in your role, you can reach an agreement to raise your salary if you hit certain KPIs after six months. If a lack of budget is the issue, you can focus on negotiating other benefits like bonuses, leave, or workplace flexibility. 

Step 13: Don’t be afraid to walk away

Knowing your worth means recognising when to walk away from an offer that doesn’t meet your expectations. If the remuneration package still falls short despite your best efforts to negotiate, it’s okay to politely decline.

Walking away shows employers that you’re confident about your value. Explain the reasons you’re turning down the offer respectfully, but don’t forget to thank the employer for the opportunity. This can leave the door open for future opportunities with the employer under better terms. 

Step 14: Stay grateful and respectful

In opening a salary negotiation, you may or may not achieve your requests. Either way, stay grateful, humble, and respectful towards the company or hiring manager. As much as you invested in the hiring process, they also spent time, energy, and resources. You’ll never know what may happen, so make sure not to burn bridges along the way.

Salary negotiation email template

Hi [Name of Hiring Manager],

Thank you for sending over the job offer for the [position you got accepted to] position. I want to reiterate how honoured I am to be considered for this role. I am also grateful to have received a detailed offer. 

Before I can accept your offer, I want to address the proposed compensation. As I have shared during my interview, I have worked in leadership positions for the past [x] years and have more than [x] years of experience in the [field or industry]. In my previous role, I was responsible for boosting the company's annual revenue by [x per cent] and increasing the number of leads influenced by marketing by nearly [x per cent] year over year. Given this, I am looking for a salary in the range of [amount/annual income] to [amount/annual income], which is slightly more than your offer of [amount/annual income].

I am positive and confident that I can be of significant value to [name of company] and help you exceed your revenue expectations this year. Please let me know when it would be most convenient to discuss the salary further.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Thank you,

[Your name]

How to negotiate a higher salary: Examples for inspiration

Ready to kickstart your salary negotiation? Whether you’re asking for a higher salary during an interview or sending an email after a job offer, use these sample conversations and emails to get the hiring manager on your side.

Sample conversation: How to negotiate a salary offer during an interview

You: "Thanks again for the offer – I’m really excited about the chance to contribute to your company. After reviewing the offer, I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss the salary component."

Hiring Manager: "Sure, happy to have that conversation. What are you thinking?"

You: "Given my three years of experience in backend development and data architecture, plus the current market benchmarks for similar tech roles in Singapore, I was expecting something in the range of S$ 500 to S$7,000 monthly. I’ve also led several automation projects that improved deployment times by 30%, and I’m confident those skills can add real value here."

Hiring Manager: "Our initial offer was S$6,000. That aligns with what we’ve offered similar profiles."

You: "I appreciate that, and I’m very keen to contribute. Is there room to adjust the offer, or alternatively, could we explore options like a signing bonus, training budget, or hybrid work flexibility? Those would really help make the package more competitive."

Hiring Manager: "Let me speak with HR and see what we can do."

You: "Thanks so much – I appreciate your time and consideration. I’m confident we can find a solution that reflects the value this role requires."

Sample email: How to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer

Subject: Discussion on Job Offer – Clarissa Tan

Dear Ms Lim,

Thank you once again for offering me the Registered Nurse position at Singapore General Hospital. I’m honoured by the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the high standard of patient care that SGH is known for.

After careful consideration, I would like to discuss the possibility of adjusting the starting salary. In addition to my five years of clinical experience in both general ward and high-dependency unit settings, I also have advanced certifications in wound care management. Based on current industry benchmarks for comparable positions in Singapore, a salary of S$5,200 to S$5,500 per month would be more aligned with my qualifications.

I remain very enthusiastic about joining your team and am confident we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement. I’m also open to discussing other components of the compensation package, such as shift allowances or professional development support, if salary adjustments aren’t possible at this time.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Warm regards,
Clarissa Tan

Mastering salary negotiation for success

Negotiating with confidence takes preparation, perspective, and professionalism. The more informed you are, the more likely you’ll secure an offer that matches your value.

FAQs

1. What is salary negotiation?
   Salary negotiation is the process of discussing and agreeing on the terms of compensation with your potential or current employer. It usually happens after you receive a job offer or during an interview for a new job. 
   ⁠The goal is to ensure your pay reflects your skills, experience, and market value. You can also negotiate for benefits like bonuses, flexible hours, or training opportunities. A smooth salary negotiation shows confidence and professionalism, and can lead to better job satisfaction and financial security.
2. What if I’m afraid I’ll lose the offer by negotiating?
   ⁠It’s natural to feel nervous, but respectfully negotiating your salary won’t typically cause you to lose the offer. Since the company needs your skills and expertise, you have some level of bargaining power. Many employers expect you to negotiate and may even see it as a sign that you’re confident and informed. 
   ⁠The key is to approach the conversation politely, express appreciation for the offer, and provide clear reasons for your request. If you're worried, focus on asking questions or exploring flexibility rather than making demands. Framing your salary negotiation thoughtfully helps preserve the offer while still advocating for yourself.
3. When is the right time to start a salary negotiation?
   ⁠The best time to negotiate a higher salary is after you’ve received a formal job offer, but before you sign the employment contract. At this point, the employer has shown interest in you as their preferred candidate, so you have the most leverage. 
   ⁠Avoid discussing salary too early in the interview process unless the employer brings it up first. Once you receive an offer, review the overall compensation package, do your market research, and then request a discussion to ensure the proposed salary reflects your value.
4. How do I respond if the employer says the salary is non-negotiable?
   ⁠If the employer says the salary is fixed, remain polite and steer the conversation into further negotiations. You can ask if there’s flexibility in other areas, such as additional benefits, signing bonuses, annual leave, flexible hours, or training support. This shows you're solution-oriented and open to compromise. 
   ⁠You can also ask when the next salary review will take place. Even if the salary can’t change now, there may be opportunities for progression in the near future.
5. Should I negotiate salary for a first job or an entry-level role?
   ⁠Yes. It’s okay to negotiate for a first job, as long as you do it respectfully. Employers don’t always offer the highest possible starting salary upfront, so you could miss out on better compensation if you don’t ask. Even if you don’t have full-time job experience, you can highlight relevant coursework you’ve done in school, internships, or part-time experience. 
6. How do I follow up after a salary negotiation?
   ⁠After your salary negotiation, it’s important to follow up with a professional thank-you email. Recap your key points and agreements, and express appreciation for the employer’s time and consideration. 
   ⁠If you’ve reached a mutual agreement, be sure to confirm the updated salary package in writing. If they need time to decide, politely ask for a timeline on when you can expect their reply.