A Guide to Negotiating Your Salary For a Better Employment Income

(Even If You Hate Talking About Money)

Let’s talk money. For many, this is an uncomfortable conversation. Money is something most of us fear. Yes, fear. Success in one’s career can be scary; while we all want it, many are afraid of what it might look like (check out our podcast where we discuss fear of success and money). What does one have to do to get it? How far must one climb, and how far can one go before it becomes too hard and staying at the top is a struggle? Throwing oneself out of the comfort zone and into the deep end is never easy. The comfort zone is called that because, well, it is comfortable. Doing a job you know, where it becomes second nature, is great. However, with that comes a limit. Staying in one spot does not suddenly open doors to more money, more opportunities, or more growth. So if this is what you want, stepping out of your comfort zone is a scary concept for most. But once you get your head around that and move past the fear of success, start believing in yourself and your abilities, the next “scary” process arises – the negotiation stage to get what you really want and deserve.

Negotiation does not come easily – it is something practised. On top of that, many are not good at advocating for themselves, especially when it comes to negotiating a salary at the end of the job interview stage. Things such as imposter syndrome creep in, and fear of having the job offer rescinded. The key is to walk away with a win, yet many either leave money on the table or, worse, start the relationship with their new employer on the wrong foot. This is indeed a delicate dance to dance. However, we are here to support you through this process.

Know your value within the employment market

This is a lot simpler than you think. The math is easy:

Market Value + Years Experience + Your Value = Salary.

Where can you find information about the market value? Sites such as the Hays Salary Guide and SEEK benchmark market employment rates across most roles and industries.
Depending on your years of experience, you can confirm if you are a Junior, Mid-Level, Senior or Manager. We do not need to spell it out; you know yourself the level you are at. However, for good measure, every 3 to 5 years of employment is a good rule of thumb for levelling up. So the level you are on also dictates the rate you should be paid. It is a no-brainer that a senior with more responsibilities will earn a significantly higher salary than a junior.
Your value is something unique that you bring. Picture this: two people hired to do the same job. Both have degrees and the same years of experience; however, one has achieved more success due to the projects they have completed and the wins they have had over time. One managed a team of 3; the other managed a team of 23. One brought in $100,000 in sales; the other brought in $1 million. Do you see the difference? One candidate brings greater value to the role than the other. You get paid not only for the job you do, but also for the additional value you bring. This is where you need to cut out the impostor syndrome noise.

Know the walk-away point: when to stop negotiations:

Consider your budget. There needs to be a minimum you are willing to accept in order to meet your basic needs. If the company is unwilling to give you your nonnegotiable, it might be time to walk away.
If you feel that your pushback is harming the relationship more than the salary is worth, then stop. It is not black and white. Long gone are the transactional days of ‘you work, get an income, go home’. There are other benefits to consider. Have you considered them all?
The company does not want to negotiate. This might be a red flag on the type of culture and management style you will be walking into.

Now, here is the thing to be most mindful of: while your value and experience may grow, there are limits to how far each role within each industry can go. There is a ceiling everywhere. This is where we gently ask you to be realistic about your expectations. This is why the market value is the first equation to consider.

If you feel that you deserve more, that your budget requires more, then perhaps it is a good time to consider a career shift or, dare we say, change. A career change is not as scary or impossible as one would think.

Ok, so now that we have the ‘number’ worked out, how do we actually negotiate it with your new employer?

Here are a few key steps to practice:

Do not agree to any offer until you read the employment contract in detail.
Come back with your proposal. Start by expressing your excitement to commence employment; then lead with: “I would like to review the salary and request an increase of x dollars.” Explain right off the bat the employment market rate and why your value-add/experience is worth the requested figure. Let them know you are knowledgeable of what their competitors are paying and that you are aware of your worth.
Should the employer be unable to meet your expectations due to budget, that is when you can consider alternative add-ons, negotiate bonuses, and/or a salary review at the end of 6 months.
Whatever it is you agree upon, make sure it is in writing (employment contract).

What Else Can You Negotiate?

Consider more than just the base salary – what other benefits would you like or can accept as an alternative or value add to the current offer:

Higher Superannuation
Phone allowance
Car allowance
Hybrid work
Extra leave
RDOs
Training Budget
Bonuses
Salary Sacrifices
Flexible working hours

If an agreement cannot be met, then the ball is in your court to accept the offer or not.

Consider what value the role will provide beyond the pay. Will you be given other benefits such as career growth opportunities? Better work-life balance? Training Budgets? More exciting work? Better work culture? There are some things money cannot buy, and you can be paid in other ways, such as learning, key projects, introduction to better networks and so forth. Look at the bigger picture of what that role can offer you as you grow your career.

How Can My Career Angels Help With YOUR Career?

We are specialised Career Coaches who offer a personalised 1:1 Career Coaching service.

We dive into your individuality, steering clear of cookie-cutter personality tests and focusing instead on what makes you, you. Your career journey with us is as unique as your fingerprint.

Our holistic methodology ensures that every aspect of your career journey is tailored to your personal needs and goals, empowering you to achieve clarity and purpose in your professional life. And yes, this also includes uncovering your best base salary, additional benefits, and how to negotiate them.

Discover More About Our Career Coaching

Do I always need to negotiate my salary?

Absolutely not. This is a personal choice. If you are happy with the offer, then there is no need to go back and forth.

Will asking for a higher salary affect the job offer?

It should not. You are entitled to ask for a higher salary, and the best time to get the salary you want is at the offer stage. It becomes a lot harder afterwards. If the employer resends the employment offer, then consider you have dodged a bullet.

Can you share a quick negotiation tip?

We sure can. Here is a quick tip: silence. Yes, silence. Once you state the range, pause completely. Silence forces the interviewer or recruiter to fill the space, often immediately confirming whether your range fits their budget.

Shhh, keep this tip between us.

Can My Career Angels help me to negotiate?

Yes indeed. We can tailor a one-off negotiation coaching session or include it as part of our other services. Simply get in touch with us , and we can discuss the best option for you.

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