Career resources
Talk about pay with confidence.
A good negotiation starts before an offer arrives. Know what matters to you and give yourself room for a thoughtful conversation.
Before the conversation
Know your range, not just your number.
Look at comparable roles in your location and sector, then consider the experience, responsibility and specialist knowledge you bring.
Set a target you would be pleased to accept and a minimum you can genuinely live with. Include pension, bonus, leave, flexibility, development support and travel in the comparison. A larger base salary is not always the stronger overall offer.
Make a clear, considered case.
Thank the employer for the offer and show that you are excited about the role. Explain the value you bring using relevant outcomes, then state the figure or range you would like to discuss. Leave space for a response rather than filling the silence.
If the salary cannot move, ask which parts of the package can: a review date, a sign-on payment, flexible working or professional development. Confirm any agreed changes in writing before accepting.
A useful next step
Get a second perspective.
A consultant can help you weigh an offer against the market and your longer-term goals.