Landing your first job is an exciting milestone, but depending on the role, you might have to negotiate your salary with your manager. When it comes to discussing your salary, you might find it a bit overwhelming, or feel uncomfortable discussing your needs so early into the job. Don’t worry though—we’ve got you covered with all the steps you’ll need to feel comfortable and look professional.
In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of negotiating your first salary so you can confidently advocate for yourself and start your new job on the right foot.
What is salary negotiation?
Salary negotiation is the process of discussing and agreeing on your pay with your future employer. It’s your opportunity to make sure you’re getting a fair salary for the work you’ll be doing. This might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s a normal part of the job application process and something that everyone does at some point in their career.
Step-by-step:
Here’s how you can negotiate your salary without any stress:
1. Find out what’s normal
Before you talk about salary, check how much people in similar jobs usually get paid. You can find this info on job websites or by asking around, but knowing the average salary helps you figure out what’s fair to ask for.
2. Know what you bring to the table
Think about what skills and experiences you have. Even if you’re just starting out, you might have done cool projects or have special skills, or maybe you even did an internship or some work experience that you found through our work database.
If you’ve done anything of note that might relate to your job, mention these when you talk about your salary to show why you deserve a higher pay.
3. Practice what to say
It’s helpful to practice how you’ll ask for your salary so you don’t forget what you wanted to say. If you’re extra nervous, you can even write out a script and practice it with a friend or family member. This way, you’ll feel more confident when you talk to your future boss, which will help show off some more of your valuable soft skills.
4. Be positive and open
When you discuss your salary, keep a positive attitude. It’s not a fight—just a chat. If they offer less than you hoped for, you might consider being open to other benefits like extra vacation days or a flexible work schedule.
5. Get the offer in writing
After you agree on your salary, make sure you get everything in writing. This includes how much you’ll be paid and any extra benefits. This way, you both know exactly what to expect, and you can refer back to it in the future if you need to.
Final thoughts and next steps
Negotiating your salary might seem a bit scary, but it’s an important part of starting your first job. By learning what’s fair, knowing your worth, and practicing what to say, you’ll feel way more comfortable asking for a fair pay.
For more easy-to-follow tips on starting your career and finding jobs, check out our other blogs and resources on our website here.