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The salary negotiation meeting
You've made it through the interview process and an offer is coming. The salary negotiation meeting is when you settle your pay, hours, and terms, and it's the only moment where you can really talk about it. Showing up prepared means walking out with more. Here's what's on the table and how to prepare.
What is a salary negotiation meeting?
This meeting follows the last interview round, once the employer decides to hire you. It covers salary, contract length, hours, vacation days, retirement plan, commuting costs, remote work, and training opportunities. The employer often makes a proposal and you respond to it. You don't have to say yes right away: asking for time to think it over is normal, and everything you agree on should end up in your contract afterward.
How to prepare
Determine your bottom line
What's the lowest number you'll accept, and what will you do if it doesn't work out? Decide that at home, not at the table.
Know your market value
Look at the range in the job posting, the applicable labor agreement if there is one, and what similar roles pay in your area.
Gather your arguments
Pull them from your own resume: results, experience that matches the job posting exactly, and what you bring that other candidates don't.
Decide what you want besides salary
There's often more room there than in the number itself, especially with employers under a labor agreement.
Expect pushback
Think of lines like "that doesn't fit the budget" or "we want to see what you can do first." Expecting them helps you stay calm.
What can you ask for besides salary?
Salary is one line in your contract. These parts matter just as much together, and they're often easier to negotiate.
A six-month review
A conversation after six months, with an agreed salary increase if things go well. Get it in writing.
Remote work
How many days, and whether that's fixed or set on a weekly basis.
Training budget
An amount per year, or a specific course the employer covers.
Vacation days
There's often room above the legal minimum, especially if the salary is fixed.
Commuting and remote work allowance
Small amounts that add up every month.
Retirement plan
How much the employer contributes and whether you're enrolled right away.
Contract length and probation period
A longer contract or a shorter probation period provides security that's worth money.
Frequently asked questions about the salary negotiation meeting
- Who brings up salary first?
- Let the employer make the first offer if you can. If you do have to name a number first, give a range where the low end is your actual target, since employers tend to remember the low end.
- Can I ask for time to think it over?
- Yes, and it's a smart move. A few days is normal. Ask for the offer in writing so you can compare it calmly at home.
- What if the offer is below my minimum?
- Say so, along with your reasoning, and ask what else is possible: a higher number, a review with an agreed-upon raise, or better terms outside of salary. If it still falls short, saying no is a valid answer.
- Should I get everything in writing?
- Yes. Anything not in your employment contract or an attachment stops existing the moment your manager changes. The same goes for a review: agree right away on what you'll be evaluated on.
What can I ask for as a salary?
That depends on the role, the region, your experience, and what the job posting says. A rule of thumb: name a range where the low end is your actual target, and back it up with what you've achieved, not with what you need. Want a number that fits your job posting, with real wage data and arguments from your own resume? The salary negotiation tool calculates it for you and gives you a cheat sheet for the meeting.
Upload your resume and the job posting. For a one-time fee, you'll get advice on what's standard, your strongest arguments, and responses to objections.
Prepare for your negotiation