In the job search process, salary negotiation is the final battle—it directly determines your future income level. Some people secure salaries far above expectations through skillful negotiation, while others, lacking technique, may end up with less than the market average for the same position. So how can you take the lead in salary negotiations and secure a satisfying offer? Here are some essential career tips—master them, and you could earn at least 30% more.

1. Understand the Market and Know Your Value

The first step in salary negotiation isn’t jumping straight into a conversation with HR, but rather understanding your worth in the industry. Research market salary levels and learn industry standards. This prevents you from making the same mistake some job seekers do—blindly asking for unrealistically high pay without any knowledge of the market.

2. Ask Questions First, Avoid Quoting Early

When entering the negotiation stage, don’t rush to state your salary expectations. If HR asks about your desired salary, you can first ask clarifying questions about the role and its compensation structure. For instance: “What was the salary level of the previous person in this role?” or “Could you share more details about the salary structure for this position?” This way, you avoid exposing your bottom line too early while also gathering valuable information that gives you more leverage in the discussion.

3. Leave Room for Negotiation When Quoting

Salary negotiation is a game of strategy. When stating your expectations, aim a little higher to give yourself room to adjust. If HR’s initial offer falls below your target, you can anchor the discussion by setting your quote slightly above what you truly expect. Thanks to the “anchoring effect,” the first number mentioned heavily influences the negotiation outcome, increasing the likelihood that the final figure will land closer to your actual goal.

At the same time, justify your request by highlighting your added value. For example: “I understand your company’s compensation standards and really admire the company’s values. However, considering the projects I’ve led and the skills I’ve developed, I believe there’s still a gap between this offer and my professional level. Is there any room to adjust?” This approach demonstrates your value while remaining polite.

4. Break Down the Salary Package

Salary isn’t just a single number—it often includes base pay, bonuses, allowances, insurance, year-end bonuses, and more. Pay close attention to these components to avoid being misled by the headline figure. Also, clarify the mechanisms for salary adjustments and promotions to ensure transparency. If the salary isn’t exactly what you hoped for but the company offers clear promotion opportunities or attractive benefits, it might still be worth accepting.

5. Think Long-Term and Look at Hidden Benefits

Compensation is not only about the monthly paycheck but also the benefits that come with the job. Training programs, career development opportunities, working hours, vacation days—all these can be equally valuable. If the base salary doesn’t fully meet your expectations, other benefits may make up for it.

For example, one candidate received two offers: one with higher pay but requiring constant overtime and no vacation, and another with lower pay but offering weekends off, annual leave, and career growth opportunities. In the end, he chose the latter, recognizing that long-term development and better benefits outweighed short-term salary gains.

Conclusion

Salary negotiation is not just a chance to showcase your abilities—it’s also an affirmation of your self-worth. With proper preparation, well-calculated expectations, and smart negotiation tactics, you can secure not only the salary you want but also lay a solid foundation for your career development.