How to Negotiate Salary: Salary Negotiation Tips

It can be difficult to get the salary you believe you deserve, especially if you are new to working abroad. The good news is you can always increase your earnings during the job interview or later through a promotion. That’s why it’s important to learn how to negotiate salary, especially if offered a job in the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium.

While asking for a raise is always an option, the best-case scenario is to negotiate the highest starting salary. This way, you’ll have a higher bar for future increases. With our salary negotiation tips, you’ll improve your career abroad and earn more money.

Best Way to Ask for More Money on a Job Interview

First things first: you need to know how to negotiate salary in an interview. Preparation is vital, regardless of your experience in the field.

First, you should learn more about the job you’re applying to. Read the job offers carefully to understand the complete requirements and benefits. 

Here are some tips on how to approach a conversation about compensation:

Come prepared

Know the average salary for the position you’re applying to. Contact someone who has experience with the company to learn more. That’s crucial if you’re planning to move to the Netherlands or Germany, as you must also calculate life expenses like accommodation, food, and bills. This information will give you a good idea of what to ask for.

Know your worth

Make an employer know you’re confident in your skills and experience. Present all the reasons why you’ll be valuable to the company and that you’re looking for fair compensation. The more knowledge in the field you have, the easier it will be to ask for more money.

Be confident in your skills

If you already have a number in your head, explain to an employer that you won’t go below a certain amount. Be warned that too much confidence can be counterproductive if you can’t back it up with previous career success and skills.

Be flexible

Salary is not the only thing you should think about during job negotiation. Sometimes, a lower initial salary but better benefits may be a better choice. For example, an employer may give you less money but offer you accommodation, bonuses, private health care, better working conditions, etc. Also, some companies offer less money at the start but more money after the probation period.

Ask an employer to give you the initial offer

Employers often ask in a job interview how much money you expect. That’s not something you necessarily need to answer. Instead, answer with a counterquestion: How much do you value this position? Employers should know the challenges of said position, its worth, and how much they’re willing to spend. 

Complement their professionalism and how you’re certain they know every detail about the position. No matter how much experience you have, they should always know more facts, as they’re the ones who hire. Having said that, be prepared to give the initial number, as sometimes a hiring manager simply refuses to offer you.

Best Ways to Get an Employer to Offer More Money

Many companies in the Netherlands don’t hide salaries in their job descriptions. This way, they’re sure people coming for an interview have agreed to the terms. If the salary is not set in stone, you can ask for a better offer in an interview. 

For this, you must learn how to negotiate a salary increase. Be assertive, and don’t back down. This may be risky, but if you’re certain you’re a great candidate, you’ll have a great chance of success. 

You may need to convince them why you think you deserve a better salary. While being respectful and professional is important, there are ways to get an employer to offer more money. Here’s how to negotiate salary after job offer:

• Highlight your expertise: Improve your case by reminding them of your experience and specific skills. The harder it is to find someone with your abilities, the better your chances of getting more money.
• Mention competing offers: If you have multiple job offers, mention them to the employer. They’ll try to get your services if you’re valuable to them and offer more than the competition. Knowing you have better-paid options may pressure them to improve their offer.
• Talk about your previous work experience and your contributions to your last company. It’s best to back that with a letter of recommendation from your last employer.

How to Ask for More Money on a Job Offer Using Corporate Language

While being straightforward and honest is commendable, using corporate language can make you sound more professional and knowledgeable. That’s especially true if you’re applying for a job in a big corporation where you’ll talk to hiring managers. Here are some phrases you can use:

• “Based on my research and experience in the field, I believe a salary of [amount] would be fair compensation for this role.”
• “I’m confident that my skills and contributions would be a valuable asset to your team, and I believe a salary of [amount] would reflect that value.”
• “I’m open to discussing other compensation packages, such as bonuses, in addition to a competitive salary.”

Contrary to big companies, family-owned businesses value an honest approach. In that case, using “corporate speech” may even be counterproductive. Most of them had similar beginnings, so they understand worker’s needs better. 

Salary Negotiation Strategies and Techniques

So, how to negotiate pay successfully? Salary negotiations are all about good presentation and careful word choice. They’re a back-and-forth game in which both sides test each other’s limits. To achieve your goals, ensure you’re coming prepared so you know what answers to give and what questions to ask.

These strategies and techniques will help you negotiate your salary:

Prepare answers to all possible questions

Every employer will have additional questions if you ask for more money. Provide good answers on why you should earn more than what is offered. It’s only natural that employers want to know more details, as they want to be sure they’ll get their money’s worth.

Practice your negotiation skills

It’s not just what you say but also how you say it. You must speak clearly, with authority. Choose your words carefully and be assertive but polite. If you’re unsure how you’ll sound, simulate a pay negotiation with a friend or a family member. If you’re uncomfortable talking in front of others, practice in front of the mirror first.

Stay true to your worth

If you’re unhappy with an offer, politely decline it, countering it with the money you’re willing to accept. Don’t go below that sum if you are unsatisfied with less. In this case, be prepared to stop the job offer negotiation completely. Having said that, consider the long-term benefit if the company has the potential for growth and advancement. 

Always ask a question at the end of the job interview

Do your research and ask questions regarding your position, promotion possibilities, how the work is organised, etc. What you’ll ask may sound irrelevant, but almost every hiring manager values good questions from candidates.

Read your contract carefully before signing

Everything you manage to negotiate during the job interview will be applied only if it’s part of your contract. This is in case you’re negotiating special conditions for yourself, as some jobs have generic contracts with fixed salaries that are known before the job interview. In that case, your best bet to get more money is to seek a promotion.

How to Negotiate Salary After a Promotion

If you’ve been promoted, you should negotiate a salary increase instead of simply accepting the offer. That said, plenty of companies in the Netherlands have pay grades where you’ll always know how much you can earn. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for more if you think you deserve much more.

These salary negotiation tips will help you get the most out of your promotion.

• Document your accomplishments: Note everything you did for the company that exceeded expectations. Going above and beyond will not get you far if no one notices your work. When the time comes for a promotion, you’ll be ready to list everything you did for the company, proving you earned a larger raise than initially offered with a new position.
• Discuss your market value: By offering you a promotion, your employer acknowledges your worth, so backing it with fair compensation is what you should insist on. That’s especially true if the salary for the new position is more valued in other companies.
• Be confident: Don’t back down if you’re certain you’re hard to be replaced. If you’ve proved to be a valuable asset to the company, they’ll happily offer you a competitive raise. If you want to push for more money and hiring managers can’t offer a higher salary, ask to talk to higher-ups to state your case. 

Best Ways to Ask for a Raise

So, how do you negotiate your salary?

Depending on how big the company you work for is, there are several ways to ask for a raise. While the best way is usually by talking directly to your superior, sometimes you’ll be more successful if you send an official letter to higher-ups. You should always talk to your boss before sending an official email to HR (or the owner, if the company is small).

Of course, preparation and timing are important. Hence, the best way to ask for a raise depends on multiple factors, such as your position, company culture, the current economic climate, local laws, and even business practices in the country you work in.

Keep these things in mind when asking for a raise:

• Timing is key: Ask for a raise when the company is successful, which may open the doors to negotiating salary.
• Prepare your case: Explain why you deserve a raise. Be precise and professional.
• Be specific: Since you initiated the salary discussion, ask for a specific amount or percentage increase that will match your target salary.
• Be open to negotiation: A salary increase is not as crucial as asking for more money at a job interview. Therefore, be willing to compromise if necessary, as getting the amount close to your salary expectations is always better than not getting a raise.

Things to Know Before Salary Negotiation

Before you even start negotiating, there are a few things you should know:

• Practice what you’ll say: Before you sit at the negotiation table, make sure you’ll leave a great impression on most hiring managers. This may significantly affect your base salary negotiation and may even net you a signing bonus.
• Prepare a list of your achievements: Quantify them and explain how they have benefitted the company.
• You don’t need a Harvard business school diploma: To get a higher salary, you don’t need a college education. Be sure of your skills and work experience when talking to prospective employees.
• Talk with colleagues: Ask people who work at your potential employer about their experiences with money negotiation.
• Know the market value of your work: Research the salary ranges and average wage for your job description.

Quick Salary Negotiation Tips

How you approach salary negotiations can make a huge difference. Here is some additional advice for negotiating your salary effectively:

Negotiate from the position of power

Asking for more money is easier if you already have a job offer from another company or you’ve decided to quit if you don’t get what you ask. In that case, say that getting more money is important, but you’ll be more than happy to stay if offered better compensation. If needed, mention that you have a better offer but would rather stay as you’re happy with how the company is run. If you’re ready to quit, don’t accept anything that will make you unhappy.

Be patient but firm

Approving a raise takes time, especially in large companies, so don’t expect a positive answer immediately. That said, ask for a fixed date to get a definite answer. If you have a better job offer, don’t accept any postponement of the agreed deadline.

Keep your emotions in check

Avoid getting angry or defensive, especially if you get a negative answer. You must always be professional, even when the other side is not. Choose your words carefully so you don’t sound sarcastic or disrespectful.

Keep in mind the body language

Your body language can send a strong message during a money negotiation.

• Always maintain eye contact to leave a great impression. You want to show your confidence and engagement when someone else is talking. 
• Sit up straight to show you’re focused on the conversation. You should look relaxed but concentrated, so don’t be stiff or too relaxed in a chair. 
• Avoid fidgeting by placing your hands on chair handles or in your lap if you’re not sitting at the table. Also, avoid gesturing with your hands, as this can make you appear nervous or insecure.
• Learn about local business customs. In some countries, you don’t offer to shake hands first, especially when talking to a female coworker.

Final Thoughts on Salary Negotiations

Negotiating your salary is a valuable skill that can significantly impact your earnings throughout your career. Preparation, confidence, and persistence are key to successful wage negotiation.

Following the tips and strategies outlined in this article can increase your chances of securing a fair and competitive salary:

• Understand your company’s culture: Be aware of the company’s norms and expectations regarding salary negotiation.
• Be patient and persistent: The negotiation process may take time, so be prepared to be patient and persistent.
• Consider the long-term benefits: When negotiating your salary, consider the potential for growth and advancement within the company.
• Be willing to compromise: Be open to discussing other benefits besides salary that are within industry standards, such as additional perks, stock options, bonuses, and paid accommodation.
• Don’t be afraid to walk away: If the employer is unwilling to negotiate, be prepared to decline the offer.
• Do market research: Thorough research and checking for similar positions in a market will help you determine whether there’s much wiggle room for higher pay.

If you have any questions or need help with finding a well-paid job in the Netherlands, Germany, or Belgium, create your profile on Robin, and our recruiters will help you find your new job with accommodation and competitive pay at no cost!