The salary negotiation meeting

What is a salary negotiation meeting?

This meeting follows the final interview round, once the employer wants to hire you. It covers salary, contract length, hours, holiday days, pension, travel expenses, working from home and training opportunities. Often the employer makes a proposal and you respond to it. You don't have to say yes straight away: asking for time to think it over is normal, and everything you agree on should then appear in your contract.

How to prepare

1. 1Decide your minimum beforehand. Below what figure will you say no, and what's your alternative if it doesn't work out? Decide this at home, not at the table.
2. 2Find out what the role is worth. Look at the range in the job advert, the cao if there is one, and what similar roles pay in your region.
3. 3Gather your arguments from your own CV: results, experience that fits the vacancy exactly, and what you bring that other candidates don't.
4. 4List what you want besides salary. There's often more room for movement here than in the figure itself, especially with employers covered by a cao.
5. 5Prepare answers to objections like "that doesn't fit the budget" or "we want to see what you can do first". Those who expect them stay calm.

What can you ask for besides salary?

Salary is one line in your contract. These elements together matter just as much, and they're often easier to negotiate.

• Working from home: how many days, and whether this is fixed or agreed weekly.
• Training budget: an amount per year, or a specific course the employer pays for.
• Holiday days: above the legal minimum there's often room to negotiate, especially if the salary is fixed.
• Travel expenses and a working-from-home allowance: small amounts that add up each month.
• Pension: how much the employer contributes and whether you join straight away.
• A review moment: a conversation after six months with an agreed salary increase if things go well, put in writing.
• Contract length and probation period: a longer contract or a shorter probation period gives you a certainty that's worth money.

What salary can I ask for?

That depends on the role, the region, your experience and what's stated in the job advert. A rule of thumb: name a range where the lower end is your own target, and back it up with what you've achieved, not with what you need. Want a figure that fits your vacancy, with real salary data and the arguments from your own CV? The salary negotiation tool works it out for you and gives you a cheat sheet for the meeting.

Frequently asked questions about the salary negotiation meeting

Who should bring up salary first?

Let the employer make the first offer if you can. If you do have to name a figure first, give a range where the bottom end is your target, because employers tend to remember the lower figure.

Can I ask for time to think it over?

Yes, and it's a sensible thing to do. A few days is normal. Ask for the offer in writing, so you can compare what's actually being offered at home, without pressure.

What if the offer is below my minimum?

Say so, with your reasoning, and ask what else might be possible: a higher figure, a review with an agreed increase, or better terms alongside the salary. If it still falls short, saying no is a valid answer.

Should I get everything in writing?

Yes. Anything not included in your employment contract or an appendix effectively disappears once you get a new manager. This also applies to a review: agree straight away on what you'll be assessed on.