Negotiating your salary: what to say and how to say it

Negotiation rests on information. Without knowing what others earn in the same role and sector, you will either ask for too little or name a figure that ends the conversation.

Search for the job title on ChakriKemon's salaries page. A median and range appear once at least three people have reported the same title at the same employer. Cross-check with what people you know tell you.

• Floor: below this you genuinely would not join. Keep it to yourself.
• Target: what is fair given market data and your experience.
• Opening figure: a little above the target, so there is room to talk.

"Given the responsibilities and my experience, I am looking for a gross monthly salary between X and Y" — give a range with a reason. The question is not how much more than your current pay you want, but what the new role is worth.

If the offer is low, do not refuse on the spot. "Thank you for the offer. The salary is a little below what I expected — is there room to discuss it?" is enough.

If the salary cannot move, other things often can:

• Festival bonuses, and whether they are paid during probation.
• A guaranteed raise when probation ends.
• Transport or mobile allowance.
• The joining date, or how you work (for example some days from home).

Check that what was agreed appears in the offer or appointment letter. A verbal promise is nobody's responsibility to remember later.