How to negotiate your salary without stress (and get what You deserve) ?
- Magalie AUGER
- May 2
- 4 min read
Are you hesitant to ask for a raise for fear of being perceived as too demanding?
Worried that a salary negotiation could jeopardize a job offer?
You don't know what arguments to use to justify your request?
Then this article is for you!
Why is it essential to negotiate your salary well?
A salary negotiation isn't just about your immediate compensation. It impacts your entire career and professional well-being.
According to GPO Magazine, 80% of younger employees plan to negotiate a raise, compared to 64% of employees aged 50 and over.
According to another Robert Half survey, 56% of men feel comfortable negotiating their salary, compared to only 36% of women.
It is important to know how to negotiate your salary well so as not to feel frustrated on a daily basis.
Consider Thomas, a talented manager who, after years of investing in his company, saw a recently hired colleague earn a higher salary than he did.
For what ?
Because the latter dared to negotiate, while Thomas was content with what was offered to him, thinking that "asking for more" risked harming his image.
What are the risks if you don't negotiate your salary?
Skipping this crucial step can have significant consequences:
A long-term loss of earnings : A 5% difference in an initial salary can represent tens of thousands of euros over a career.
A feeling of frustration : Accepting compensation below your value can affect your motivation and commitment.
An impact on your progress : Those who negotiate are often perceived as more confident and strategic by their employers.
It's like building a house on shaky foundations: you risk running into trouble at every step of your career.
What are the benefits of a successful negotiation?
Negotiating your salary well brings you:
Better recognition of your value.
Stronger commitment and increased motivation.
Better long-term financial stability.
How to negotiate your salary effectively?
Tip #1: Arrive prepared with concrete figures
Leave no room for improvisation.
"He who prepares best wins the game."
✔ Analyze market salaries via APEC, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary.
✔ Compile your measurable results : revenue generated, savings made, successful projects.
✔ Compare with your colleagues in similar positions to assess the consistency of your request.
Tip #2: Emphasize your impact, not your personal needs
An employer values what you bring to the table, not your expenses.
"A salary is justified, it is not begged for."
✔ Show how you optimized processes, increased productivity or generated revenue .
✔ Quantify your contributions with precise figures.
✔ Link your request to the company's objectives and priorities .
Tip #3: Negotiate beyond the fixed salary
Gross salary is not everything.
✔ Ask for target-based bonuses or profit-sharing.
✔ Negotiate teleworking days, funded training or additional leave .
✔ Think about benefits in kind (premium mutual insurance, company car, etc.).
Tip #4: Maintain a confident and open posture
Your attitude influences the perception of your interlocutor.
✔ Maintain eye contact and use confident body language .
✔ Practice assertive communication , without arrogance but with firmness.
✔ Remain calm and professional, even if the offer does not immediately meet your expectations.
Tip #5: Let your interlocutor speak first
Don't reveal your number too early.
✔ Ask: “What is the expected salary range for this position?”
✔ Listen carefully to better adapt your argument.
✔ Only give your salary expectations after you have clearly understood the employer's expectations.
Tip #6: Use the silence technique
Silence is a powerful weapon in negotiation.
✔ A pause after an offer may prompt the employer to re-evaluate it .
✔ Don't fill the silence with unnecessary justifications.
✔ Let the other person react first after your request.
Tip #7: Prepare alternatives and a plan B
If the offer doesn't suit you, be prepared to negotiate other benefits.
✔ Request a 6-month salary review with clear objectives .
✔ Explore non-financial benefits like rapid advancement.
✔ Be prepared to decline an offer if it falls far short of your expectations.
Tip #8: Practice Negotiation
A good negotiation is prepared like an interview.
✔ Practice your speech with a coach or mentor.
✔ Simulate different scenarios and possible objections.
✔ Work on your argument to be fluid and impactful.
Do these techniques apply to all situations?
Yes, whether it's for a new job, a promotion, or an annual reassessment, these principles are universal.
However, adapt your approach according to the context:
For a job offer, emphasize your future added value.
For a raise, highlight your past results.
For an internal position, show how your skills development justifies your request.
What are the prerequisites for successful salary negotiations?
Do your research on market salaries.
Build a solid argument based on concrete facts.
Be prepared to discuss the entire salary package (not just the gross).
Have a confident and caring posture .
In short: What do you need to know to successfully negotiate your salary?
✔ Prepare yourself with concrete figures and facts.
✔ Value your business impact, not your personal needs.
✔ Be prepared to negotiate fringe benefits.
✔ Adopt a confident and strategic posture.
✔ Use advanced negotiation techniques and practice.
Need help negotiating effectively ?
Do you want to maximize your impact and get the compensation you deserve, without stress or conflict? Don't hesitate to use my professional coaching and mentoring services to support you in this process.
Book your free Discovery Appointment with me now:
Sources of the article:
Negotiating your salary well: a crucial subject but a source of anxiety, particularly for women and seniors: https://www.roberthalf.com/fr/fr/a-propos/espace-presse/bien-negocier-son-salaire-un-sujet-determinant-mais-source-danxiete-notamment-pour-les
A majority of employees ready to react to an unsatisfactory salary: Negotiation or resignation in sight?
Would you like to receive even more tips and techniques to improve your efficiency and peace of mind directly in your inbox every week?
Comments