Salary Negotiation Tips for Beginners

Do your research: know your market value

Before you open any negotiation, gather data. Use salary sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, PayScale, and industry reports to find the typical range for your role, location, and experience level. Factor in total compensation — base salary, bonuses, equity, benefits, and perks — to get a full picture. Aim to define a realistic salary range with a target (your ideal number) and a walk-away number (the minimum you’ll accept). This research gives you confidence, helps you set anchors, and prevents you from accepting an offer below market.

Build a persuasive case and practice your pitch

Prepare concrete examples that demonstrate your value. Quantify achievements where possible: revenue helped generate, time saved, projects launched, improvements in efficiency or customer satisfaction. Structure your pitch concisely: state your current situation or offer, explain why you deserve more (skills, impact, market data), and present your desired range. Practice aloud or role-play with a friend so you can state your request clearly and handle follow-up questions. Also identify your BATNA (best alternative to a negotiated agreement) so you’re mentally prepared if the employer can’t meet your terms.

Use effective negotiation tactics and follow up

During the conversation, prioritize clarity and professionalism. Lead with gratitude for the offer, then present your researched range and rationale. Use a confident but collaborative tone: ask open questions like, 'Is there flexibility on salary or equity?' and be comfortable pausing after stating your number — silence often prompts a response. If the employer can’t meet your salary, negotiate other elements such as sign-on bonus, performance review timeline, vacation, remote work, or professional development budget. Always get the final offer in writing and confirm next steps and timelines. If you don’t get what you asked for now, set a performance-based timeline for a future raise and agree on measurable goals.