Negotiating your salary is one of the most important career conversations you will have.
According to Forbes, 66% of professionals who negotiate their salary get more than the initial offer. Yet many people feel nervous or unsure about how to approach it. Learning how to negotiate salary can make a big difference in your income and career path. Whether you are applying for a new job or asking for a raise, it matters.
This article is part of our Negotiation Skills Hub. Here, we explain how to negotiate a salary offer and title change with confidence.
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Why salary negotiation matters
Many hiring managers expect you to negotiate a higher salary.
If you do not, you could leave money or benefits on the table. Salary negotiations can also lead to better job titles, bonuses, or work conditions. These are not just numbers — they are part of your long-term career growth.
Salary discussions also show your employer that you value yourself. This builds respect and sets the tone for your future in the company.
When to negotiate salary
There are three common times to negotiate salary:
1. During a job offer
When you receive a job offer, it is normal to ask for better pay or benefits. This is a key time to apply your salary negotiation skills.
2. After strong performance
If you’ve done well in your job and taken on more tasks, you may ask for a raise. Prepare by showing your achievements.
3. During promotion talks
A new role often means more responsibility. Learn how to negotiate a title change and salary at the same time to reflect your added value.
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How to negotiate salary: step-by-step
Negotiating does not mean being aggressive. It means being prepared, respectful, and clear about your goals.
Step 1: Do your research
Know the market rate for your role and experience. Look at job websites, ask recruiters, or talk to others in your field to explore industry standards.
Step 2: Know your value
Make a list of your achievements, skills, experience and responsibilities. Show how you have helped your company save money, increase revenue, or improve results.
Step 3: Practice your pitch
Think about what you want to say. Practice out loud or with a friend and be confident but polite.
Step 4: Choose the right time
Pick a moment when your manager is not busy or stressed. For job offers, respond within a day or two — not too fast, not too slow.
Step 5: Start the conversation
Begin by thanking them for the opportunity. Then explain why you think a higher salary or better title makes sense. Use data and examples.
Example:
“Thank you for the initial offer. I am very excited about the role. Based on the industry benchmark, a salary that better reflects my experience and skills is [your number].”
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How to negotiate salary offer without losing the job
Many people worry that negotiating might upset the employer. But most employers are open to fair discussion.
In fact, according to Procurement Tactics, 73% of employers anticipate it.
Here are salary negotiation tips to keep it safe and professional:
- Be respectful, not demanding
- Show appreciation for the offer
- Treat it as a conversation, not a confrontation
- Be ready to explain why you are asking for more
- Have a backup plan in case they say no
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What to say when negotiating salary
Here are a few simple phrases you can use:
- “Is the base salary open to negotiation?”
- “Based on my research, a fair salary range for a similar role is…”
- “Considering my skill set and experience, I was hoping for…”
- “Are there other benefits we could discuss if the salary cannot be changed?”
Do not forget: it is not just about money
Salary is important, but you can also negotiate:
- Job title
- Bonuses, including a signing bonus
- Compensation package
- Remote work options
- Extra holidays
- Training and development budget
These can be just as valuable, especially when salary budgets are tight or your expectations exceed the initial offer.
To learn how these skills apply in business settings, read our article on business and sales negotiation.
How to negotiate a title change
Sometimes the title you are offered does not match your level or responsibilities. You can bring this up during the negotiation.
Here is how:
- Show how your role includes duties above your current title
- Explain why the correct title matters for future growth
- Be flexible — suggest alternative titles if needed
- Keep it professional and positive
For example:
“Based on the leadership duties in this role, I would like to propose the title ‘Senior Account Manager’ rather than ‘Account Executive.’ It better reflects the level of responsibility.”
Improve your salary negotiation skills
According to the College of American Pathologies, although 20% always negotiate their salaries, 40% never do because of fear.
Like any skill, negotiation gets easier with training and practice.
Some people are naturally confident negotiators. Others need more structure. Either way, it helps to learn:
- How to read the other person’s tone and body language
- How to use silence and timing
- How to handle objections
- When to walk away
- How to build win-win solutions
To sharpen your skills, visit our article on how to improve negotiation skills or read about different negotiation styles.
The psychology of salary negotiation
Negotiation is not just about facts — it is also about emotion, confidence, and mindset. Understanding how people make decisions helps you become a better negotiator.
Learn more about behaviour, personality types, and emotional triggers in our psychology of negotiation guide.
Start your negotiation training with ISM Dubai
At ISM Dubai, we offer professional training that helps you:
- Develop strong salary and price negotiation skills to meet your expectations
- Speak with confidence in interviews or performance reviews
- Handle difficult conversations with ease
- Understand the negotiation process
- Practice real-life scenarios with expert feedback
Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our full negotiation training programmes or contact us to discover how we can help you boost your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your research, be polite, and explain your value clearly.
Stay respectful and positive — most employers expect negotiation. /p>
Preparation, confidence, timing, and clear communication.
Yes — just explain how your role fits the title you are asking for.
You can ask about other benefits or set a date to review the salary later.
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