For many of us, negotiating salary feels like a setup. We worry we’ll come off as greedy. We fear we might lose the offer entirely. Or worse, we don’t know what we’re worth.
But then, salary negotiation isn’t just about getting more money. It’s about valuing yourself, your time, and your contribution. And when done right, it’s also about setting the tone for the relationship you’ll have with your employer.
So, let’s break it down together - job seeker to job seeker 😉 - with zero fluff and a whole lot of clarity.
1. Discover Your Hidden Value
Before you even think about mentioning a number, take a moment to reflect on what makes you truly valuable beyond just the skills listed on your resume.
I know it’s easy to focus on the technical stuff: the degrees, the certifications, the tools you’ve mastered. But your true worth goes deeper than that.
You can begin by looking at the things that set you apart - the nuances that others might overlook. Do you have a knack for bringing people together on difficult projects? Maybe you’re the one who turns chaos into order with your problem-solving skills. Or perhaps you have a unique way of thinking that allows you to approach challenges from angles no one else can see. These are the intangibles that make you stand out.
Take stock of your impact. What has your contribution been to past projects, teams, or companies, not just in numbers, but in the lasting changes you’ve made? Have you built systems that continue to save your team hours every week, or made a tough decision that paid off in the long run?
Reflect on the hidden value you create, the kind that isn’t always captured by a job title or salary benchmark.
And when you truly grasp what you’re worth, you’ll walk into that negotiation room confident in what you bring to the table.
And that confidence is invaluable to escape from anchoring bias - a psychological phenomenon where the first number you hear in a negotiation sets the tone for everything that follows. Research shows that, as a result of anchoring bias, candidates often settle for lower offers due to an underestimation of their worth.
But then, to ensure your confidence is not misplaced, it us quite important to back it up with real data.
By all means, research salary benchmarks for your role, industry, and location on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, etc., because the trick is to balance that internal confidence with external facts, so you can walk into any negotiation grounded in truth.
2. Timing Is Key: Don’t Rush Into Money Talk
One advice? Don’t talk money too early.
If you drop a number during the first interview, you may box yourself in before the company fully understands your worth, or before you know what the job really entails.
The sweet spot for salary discussions is when they’re already invested in you. Typically, that happens after the final rounds of interviews, when they’re picturing you in the role and are ready to move forward. Let them fall in love with what you bring first - then you can talk numbers.
Now, I have noticed that recruiters are increasingly bringing up salary early in the process, which can be tricky. If they ask early, don’t sweat it. Instead, keep your response flexible, while still making it clear you’re not desperate to jump into a number without understanding the full picture of the role. You could say something like:
“I’m eager to learn more about the specific responsibilities and expectations for the role before diving into compensation discussions. I’m confident we’ll find a mutually beneficial package once I have a clearer understanding of how I can contribute.”
“From my research and understanding of the market for this role, I’d expect a salary in the range of ₦X to ₦Y. However, I’m open to a broader conversation once we discuss the full scope of the role and the value I can bring to your team.”
3. Own Your Dialogue, Don't Just Recite It
Negotiating salary isn't a script to memorize and repeat. It's a conversation that reflects your confidence and understanding of your worth. Instead of running through a rehearsed set of words, focus on owning your message.
Think of it like this: you're not delivering a monologue; you’re sharing your value in a natural, fluid way.
Practice the key points you want to hit, but let them feel personal and adaptable. Try saying them aloud in front of a mirror, or better yet, in a mock negotiation with a friend. But whatever you do, don’t just sound confident, feel confident in what you're saying.
And trust me, when you understand and truly believe the value you're offering, the words will flow naturally.
4. Negotiate the Full Package
Here’s the part no one tells you: salary isn’t just about base pay.
There are so many levers you can pull:
- Signing bonus
- Equity or stock options
- Remote work flexibility
- Health insurance
- Relocation support
- Extra paid leave
- Learning and development budget
- Performance reviews (and raises) after 6 months
I know it’s easy to fixate on salary, but remember that a competitive package includes more than just base pay. Research from McKinsey & Company found that 63% of workers value benefits like flexible work options more than an increased salary. So, be sure to negotiate for what matters to you, whether that’s work flexibility, extra leave, or opportunities for professional growth.
Moreover, if the company explains that they’re “at the top of their salary band and can't accommodate further increment,” that’s your cue to explore these other areas. It’s all negotiable.
5. Don’t Fold Too Quickly... But Don’t Burn Bridges
Yes, you might get a “no.” But don’t take it personally. Instead, you can ask:
“Can you help me understand what flexibility might exist in the offer?”
This invites conversation, not confrontation. And even if the answer is still no, you’ve shown professionalism, self-awareness, and strategic thinking.
And here's where I'd tell you, "don't be afraid to walk away."
Research from Glassdoor shows that 40% of job seekers land a better deal by continuing their job search after turning down an offer.
So you don’t have to settle for something that doesn’t meet your needs, because you are setting a precedent by walking away... and this will probably lead to better opportunities down the line.
6. Remember, You’re Setting a Precedent
The number you agree on sets the tone for how your value is perceived internally.
Think of it like this:
If you negotiate thoughtfully and assertively, it tells them you know your worth.
If you accept an offer you feel uneasy about, that feeling doesn’t go away, trust me. It grows... especially when you find out later that your same-level colleague gets better paycheck.
Just remember, how you start matters.
Read also: 7 ways to handle job rejection with grace
For What It's Worth...
Salary negotiation is not just a transaction - it’s a test of your self-belief.
And like all skills, it gets better with practice and a bit of courage each time you do it.
So, the next time you’re faced with that conversation, take a deep breath. Stand tall. And remember, you’re not just asking for money. You’re advocating for the value you’ve worked hard to build.
And that? That’s something worth negotiating for.
Over to You:
Have you ever walked away from a negotiation wishing you’d asked for more? Or nailed it and gotten exactly what you wanted? Share your story in the comments - I’d love to hear how you’ve managed the money talk.