3 Tips for Negotiating Your Salary in English [Updated]

You've done your research and know how much you should be paid. So what can you do to help you get this salary?

Whether you've already gotten a job offer or are still doing interviews, check out these tips for negotiating your salary in English.

Tip #1. Don’t Be Too Direct

In English-speaking countries, money is a sensitive topic. So when you negotiate your salary, choose your words carefully. For example, instead of saying "pay" or "money," try less direct words. Here are some options:

• "Compensation": Compensation includes everything the company pays you, including money (salary, bonuses and commission, for example) as well as things like benefits and equity.
• "Pay scale" or "Salary range": These phrases ask for a range instead of an exact number.

But before talking about pay specifically, English speakers will usually say something positive first. For example, they might thank the interviewer or mention how interested they are in the job.

I appreciate the time you've taken to speak with me today. To make sure we're a good fit for each other, could you tell me a bit about compensation?

Thank you for the offer. I'm excited that your team wants me on board! However before accepting the offer, I'd like to address the pay scale.

You'll also hear people use the word "something" when they talk about money. This is a good way to be indirect.

I had something slightly higher in mind.

I was hoping for something in the range of X and Y.

Tip #2. Don’t Name a Number First

When an interviewer asks about your salary expectations, it's better not to say.

• If you name a number too low, you make it harder to ask for more later.
• If you name a number too high (before proving that you're worth it yet), the company may stop considering you.

So even if you know exactly how much you should be paid for a position, it's better to avoid naming a number first. Generally, English speakers do this by saying that they need more information about the role to know what a fair offer would be.

You can also ask the company what they expect to pay. All companies have a budget for the positions they're hiring. Knowing this budget will give you a better starting point for negotiations. Here are some ways to bring this up:

I think I need to know more about the role and the company to give you an accurate number. Can you give me an idea of the salary range you had in mind?

I'd be happy with a salary that reflects my experiences and qualifications. What can you share about the budget for this position?

Tip #3. Explain Why You Deserve More

Don't be afraid to ask for a higher salary.

It can be a good idea to ask for more money than you actually expect to get. Your boss may say no, but they may also consider something closer to the amount you suggest — or even offer exactly what you ask!

"How to Negotiate a Better Salary" | Engoo Daily News

However, avoid directly saying that an offer is "low," since this can sound rude in English. Instead:

1. Say that you had a higher salary in mind.
2. Explain why you're worth the extra pay.

Here are some reasons you can use to explain your request:

• You have a very specific skill set or background that the company needs.
• You have a lot more experience and expertise than the company originally asked for.
• The proposed salary is lower than the industry standard, your current pay or the salary that another company has offered you.

You may also want to tell the company that you understand why they made the offer (e.g., budgeting issues) and assure them that you want to be flexible. Here are some ways to do that:

I understand there are budget constraints, so I want to be flexible. However, since I have more than a decade of experience in corporate sales and a solid track record of managing client relationships, I'd like to explore whether a slightly higher salary of [number] would be possible.

Based on my research, similar positions in this area pay between [number] and [number]. Given my experience, I'd expect something on the higher side, though I'm open to discussing other forms of compensation.

Bonus: Practice With an Engoo Tutor

If you need help preparing for a job interview, try practicing with a professional English tutor. 

At Engoo, our tutors have worked in a variety of industries, from graphic design and music to accounting and finance. Many also have experience preparing students for job interviews, so take advantage of their expertise! Sign up here!