Most people would rather do a root canal than negotiate salary. 🦷 But a calm, prepared conversation can be worth thousands of dollars a year, every year.
Before you negotiate
- Know your market value for your exact role, city and skill set
- Know your number: your ideal, your target and your walk-away
- Think beyond base salary: super, bonus, flexibility, training and leave
When to talk money
Be honest about expectations early, ideally with your recruiter, so nobody wastes time. Do the detailed negotiation once there is a firm offer.
Scripts that work
- “Thank you, I am really excited about this role. Based on my experience with S/4HANA migrations and the market for this skill set, I was hoping for something closer to $X. Is there flexibility?”
- “If the base is fixed, could we look at an extra day of working from home, a training budget or a six-month salary review?”
What not to do
- Make ultimatums you are not prepared to follow through on
- Invent competing offers
- Negotiate again after accepting
- Go silent for days. Respond promptly, even if you need time to think.
If the number will not move
Decide based on the whole opportunity. A slightly lower salary with strong growth, great tech and a good manager can be the better career move.
👉 Your Zone recruiter can negotiate on your behalf. Register your CV or browse roles.
Candidates
Candidates
Candidates