Top 10 tips for salary negotiations

Worried about an upcoming salary negotiation? That’s understandable – but you deserve to be paid your worth. Salary negotiations may happen as early as your interview for a new role or during a yearly review.

If you’re seeking a salary hike in your current job or want to negotiate a better starting wage, you need to be prepared. Negotiations can have a significant impact on your earning potential but also set a benchmark for future earnings and career progression.

In this article, you’ll learn the importance of negotiating your salary and how to come prepared for the review. We’ll give you 10 top tips for securing a higher salary and how to ask for a pay rise with your manager.

1. Understand the importance of negotiating

First, it’s a good idea to brush up on exactly what a salary negotiation actually is. It typically involves discussing and agreeing on your compensation package with your employer. It’s something that’s bound to happen at various stages of your career, such as during the initial job offer, during annual reviews, when changing roles within a company, or when you feel your job role has expanded.

Negotiating your salary shows that you value your skills and contributions and expect to be compensated fairly. It leads to better job satisfaction and long-term career growth.

2. Research salary trends in Ireland

Before you get into the room with your manager, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of the salary trends in Ireland. Start by researching the industry standards and typical salaries for your role.

Head to websites like Recruit Ireland, where you can find valuable insights into salary ranges for different positions and locations. You can also network with professionals in your field and consult salary surveys that can help you gather accurate data.

Prepare this information ahead of your negotiation to show your manager and support your position. It will also help you to be more confident when speaking about salary expectations in Ireland.

3. Gather industry salary data

Knowing the market rate for your role and Irish salary standards helps you set realistic salary expectations and provides a solid foundation for your discussions.

How to gather data on industry salary standards:

1. Use online resources: Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale offer detailed salary information based on industry, role, and location.
2. Consult professional networks: Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or industry associations to get insights into current salary trends.
3. Review job listings: Analyse job advertisements for similar roles to see the salary ranges offered by different employers, including direct competitors.

Understanding the market rate ensures that you are neither undervaluing nor overestimating the expected pay in Ireland. It positions you as well-informed and helps you negotiate from a place of confidence and credibility.

4. Evaluate your skills and achievements

In order to negotiate better, it helps to have a clear idea of what you bring to the table. Start by assessing your skills and achievements to present a compelling case for why you deserve a higher salary.

1. List your accomplishments: Reflect on your career and note down significant achievements, such as projects completed, awards received, and any instances where you exceeded targets.
2. Identify key skills: Highlight the skills that make you valuable to your employer. These can include technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific expertise.
3. Gather evidence: Collect documentation that supports your achievements, such as performance reviews, emails of appreciation, or data showing how your contributions have positively impacted the company.

5. Choose the right time to negotiate

Timing is everything when it comes to salary negotiations. It may not benefit you to try and negotiate your salary too soon after starting a job or an annual review. Here are some of the best times to open up pay raise discussions:

1. After a job offer: The short period after receiving a job offer is one of the best times to negotiate your salary. At this stage, the employer has already decided they want you, which gives you leverage.
2. During performance reviews: Annual or bi-annual performance reviews are appropriate times to discuss salary increases, especially if you have received positive feedback.
3. After completing a major project: Successfully completing a project or achieving a notable milestone can be a good time to request a salary review, as your recent contributions are fresh in your employer’s mind.

6. Structure your negotiation argument

A well-structured negotiation pitch demonstrates your preparedness and professionalism, making it easier for your employer to see the value you bring.

Start with a positive note.

Express your enthusiasm for the role or your appreciation for the current position. Share the data you’ve gathered about industry salary standards and market rates.

Clearly outline your transferable skills, experiences, and contributions. Use specific examples and quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your value. For instance, “I successfully increased sales by 20% last year.”

State your desired salary and explain why you believe this is justified. Link your request back to your research and achievements, showing how your skills and contributions align with the company’s goals.

End on another positive note, expressing your willingness to discuss further and your enthusiasm for continuing to contribute to the company.

7. Respond to counteroffers strategically

It’s likely your company will come back with a counteroffer, and should be expected as part of the process. If they accept your first offer, that’s good news, but they may decide to counteroffer instead.

If a counteroffer is received, thank your employer for the offer and express your appreciation for their willingness to negotiate.

Take your time to carefully review the counteroffer. Consider all aspects, including salary, benefits, and other compensations. Compare the counteroffer against the industry standards and your initial expectations. Determine if the offer meets your minimum requirements.

Decide whether to accept, decline, or further negotiate. If you choose to negotiate, be clear about what aspects of the offer you would like to adjust.

8. Negotiating salary over email effectively

Negotiating salary over email can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be just as effective as in-person discussions.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Be professional: Maintain a professional tone throughout your email. Avoid using informal language or being too casual.
2. Be clear and concise: Clearly state your case and avoid lengthy emails. Get to the point while providing all necessary information.
3. Use a structured format: Follow a clear structure similar to an in-person negotiation argument. Start with a positive note, present your research and achievements, state your request, justify it, and close positively.
4. Be polite and respectful: Always thank the employer for the opportunity and express your willingness to discuss further. 

Here’s an example salary negotiation email:

Subject: Salary discussion

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. After reviewing the offer, I would like to discuss the salary component of the package.

Based on my research and the current industry standards, as well as my skills and experience in [specific skills], I believe a salary of [desired amount] would be appropriate. I have attached some supporting data for your reference.

I am confident that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement and I look forward to discussing this further.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

9. Master in-person and phone negotiations

Negotiating in person or over the phone can feel more nerve-wracking than email, as everything happens in real time. But there are some useful skills to help you prepare:

1. Gather information: Include your research on industry salary standards, your achievements, and your salary expectations. Practise your pitch in the mirror so you can present your case clearly and confidently.
2. Stay calm and confident: It’s natural to feel nervous, but try to stay calm and composed. Take deep breaths and remind yourself of your value and the preparation you’ve done.
3. Listen actively: Pay close attention to what the other party is saying. This not only shows respect but also helps you understand their perspective and respond appropriately.
4. Be clear and direct: Clearly state your salary request and the reasons behind it. Avoid being vague or apologetic.
5. Handle objections gracefully: If the employer raises concerns or objections, address them calmly and provide evidence to support your case. Stay positive and focused on finding a mutually beneficial solution.

10. Evaluate and respond to the final offer

Once you receive a final offer, take your time to evaluate the finer details carefully and respond appropriately.

Look beyond the base salary and consider the entire compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and any other perks. Check whether the offer matches industry standards and your initial research.

Think about the potential for career growth, professional development opportunities, and future salary increases within the company. If any part of the offer is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for more details. This ensures you fully understand what you’re agreeing to.

Decide whether to accept, decline, or counter the offer. If you choose to counter, provide a clear rationale for your request.

Once you’ve agreed on the terms, ensure everything is documented in writing. This formalises the agreement and provides a reference for future discussions.

Bonus tip: Plan for future salary increases

Salary negotiations aren’t a one-and-done deal. If you want to renegotiate your pay in the future, start planning for it now.

1. Document achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, projects completed, and any additional responsibilities you take on.
2. Set career goals: Define your career objectives and discuss them with your manager.
3. Stay informed: Continuously research industry trends and salary benchmarks.
4. Develop new skills: Invest in your professional development by acquiring new skills and certifications.

Conclusion: Your path to successful salary negotiations

Take these tips and apply them to your next salary review. Talking about money can be a difficult conversation to have, but remember you’re entitled to be paid your worth.

Whether you’re browsing for information on salaries in your industry or looking for a new job yourself, Recruit Ireland’s Job Board can help you in your search. It features jobs from a wide range of industries all across Ireland, so you can find important information on compensation and benefits.

Prepare for negotiations with Recruit Ireland’s detailed job description or head to our advice centre for tips and tricks from Ireland’s accomplished professionals.