What to say in different salary negotiation situations – Complete scripts

Salary negotiation situations can be quite sensitive at times, especially when you have had your fair share of job troubles in the past. For one, you might have somehow trained yourself to tread cautiously when it comes to this part of the job hunt.

Who knows? This might just be the part messing up your efforts all this while. All of these might have even gotten you thinking:

 ”What if I have pushed my luck too far in these series of salary negotiations? Could it be that I have been opting for something too low to make these folks think I’m incompetent for the job?”

The worries of an already employed staff might be different. He or she might be thinking:

“This job has been my best so far after the peanuts I’ve had to endure so far at other jobs. What if I am biting too much by asking for a raise? Is there any hope of getting better pay elsewhere?”

If you happen to fall in either of these categories, relax. This article promises to help you get through these salary negotiation situations without having to worry about a thing.

Tips to Get You Started on Your Salary Negotiation

Know this no matter what the case might be; whether you are a Johnny just come or a jagaban in this field of job hunting and salary negotiations, one thing you should come with is all of your confidence. And all of these would come from having done your homework. This implies, finding out things like how much is being paid for the same role elsewhere, and how you can present a counter offer. 

Now, let’s get right into it by considering 4 practical salary negotiation situations and the right answers to certain practical questions.

Practical salary negotiation scripts

1 When you provided a salary range prematurely

A situation like this is highly possible, especially when you eventually get to learn about more responsibilities attached to the job, which were not initially stated in the job posting. 

At this realization, you might 

“I can tell that you’ve been listening closely throughout this process since you offered the amount I initially mentioned, and I appreciate that. During this process, I’ve learned about some additional requirements that were not outlined in the job posting, such as the required travel. That has changed my desired salary for the role. I would be most comfortable accepting a salary between $55,000 and $60,000, given this new information.”

2. When your recruiter doubts your competence at the job

This might be a difficult pill to swallow, but if your recruiter is still forming Stone cold for you after offloading the other skills in your arsenals, you might want to ‘show him’ instead of ‘tell him’. This is because there is nothing that sends off a red flag than a recruiter doubting your competence at the job.

For instance, if he says something like

Recruiter: Uhm…young lady/ gentleman, I don’t know. I’m still not convinced to put you up for this job, especially with your level of experience and the figure you are proposing.

Applicant: Okay Sir. Here’s what I think should convince you. Put me on a trial. A three-month trial at most. If I happen to meet up and exceed the company’s expectations in this role, then I get my proposed salary. If not, then I stick with what you are offering.

Well, you’ve set yourself up to exceed expectations. You might as well work towards earning your target salary.

3. When applying for a job elsewhere

It is important to note that when you are currently working somewhere else but you have plans to change jobs; having gotten to the salary negotiation stage, never disclose how much you are being paid somewhere else. This could be shooting yourself in the leg as it might be a basis for determining your salary worth. So the hiring manager might ask: 

Recruiter: By the way, how much are you being paid at your current job?

At this, your response should be: 

Applicant: Thank you for that question. However, I’m not comfortable disclosing that information to you. I would appreciate it if we could focus on a salary offer, based on an existing salary range and my potential value to this company.

At this point, your recruiter would not press further as he wouldn’t want an awkward situation on his account. 

Recruiter: Alright, so what are your salary expectations?

This question can be quite tricky. I suggest you don’t give a single figure, instead, give a salary range, backing it up with the research you have made concerning the market values and how much is being paid for the role you are applying for at other firms. So you start with something like:

Applicant: Considering the fair market value for this role, and the results I’ll be bringing forward, I think we should stick with the price range for this role according to my research on other firms, which is from A-D (mention the range but make sure to keep it within the highest ranges as your recruiter might decide to settle for something lower)

Recruiter: Okay, let’s stick with $ABC (presents an average figure based on the range you earlier stated)

This is where your counter offer comes in. At this point, you should be conscious of the fact that you are worth more than an average worker and should therefore be paid above the average sum. Try convincing your recruiter that you would contribute more than an average worker would, to the advancement of the company and pitch for higher. 

You can also state the amount you were offered somewhere else, which should be higher than what you are being offered, to raise the bar. (No white lies please)

Applicant: Thank you so much for considering me worth that value (remember, you have to show excitement, nevertheless). However, since ABC company (state the name of the company) offered me $70,000, I’m expecting nothing less than $75,000.

If your recruiter finally settles for $73,000, try sticking with your initial figure. However, if it appears he/she is getting impatient with your terms, this might be a red flag. Know when to settle for what would measure up with your value without pushing for too much.

Finally, remember to reiterate that you are very happy to have been selected for the job and establish your commitment again to performing your role with full dedication and the results you definitely would bring to the table. Say something like:

Once again, thank you for counting me as your best candidate for this job. I am very committed to serving this company with the whole of my capabilities. I also promise to bring more results upfront than an average staff for this role.

C’est finis! Your salary negotiation process is guaranteed if you stick to these scripts!

However, for a regular staff member seeking a raise at his current firm, the approach would be different.

4. When negotiating for a salary raise

When it comes to requesting a salary raise at your current place of employment, it is usually from the confidence of having established yourself as competent in your role.

You definitely would have gone through several training sessions and have pooled so much knowledge about the company: This is usually leverage for you when tendering your request.

According to Josh Doody, the author of Fearless Salary Negotiation,

“Your primary reason for requesting a raise is that the salary you’re being paid doesn’t reflect your current value to the company. That salary was set sometime in the past, so you argue that you are more valuable now than you were…”

Knowing all of these, you should start by forwarding an email to your manager, stating your intention to have a private meeting with him where you can discuss your compensation.

The email should take this pattern:

Considering our previous discussion Sir/ Ma, we have both acknowledged how long it has been since my last salary adjustment/since I got this job. I, therefore, request a careful examination of my salary and benefits, since we both agree I’m adding much more to the company, presently. 

According to my research on industries offering this job position, it appears the midpoint is about (Present the midpoint of your research ) 

I humbly request an increase to (mention your target salary). I anticipate your feedback on this. Thank you.  

Don’t forget to include your wins and badges of accomplishments in your letter and a physical interview, either as a fresh recruit or an old staff, as this would be an added advantage to getting your desired request. 

Generally speaking, salary negotiation is an important step every job seeker should take often, as it can help employers better understand the value you provide. By using these negotiation tips, I can guarantee that you can step into any conversation confidently, prepared to take on any challenge within and outside a salary discussion. So, go get that bag, will you?