“To prepare for a negotiation, it is important that you have all the information you need to make a decision on the offer. Therefore I recommend to draft a list of questions/topics you want to inform about when receiving the offer. An offer includes salary but also other secondary benefits. During the interviews you probably discovered how the (future) company values your experience and how it relates to your (future) peers. This is the starting point of the conversation because the offer is based on this impression. Try to figure out what is really important to you and why. Is it only salary or also the responsibilities in a role, opportunities to develop yourself through education and training, a lease car or something else? This information will guide you in your negotiation.

When you decide to start negotiating, it is up to you to deliver convincing arguments and a detailed counter proposal. You can do market research, look for a salary benchmark or list down the moments that you overachieved in your job beyond your regular scope. Or focus on how you made an impact and added value at your current company, have grown into the role or collaborated cross-department. Keep in mind, the goal is to start a successful collaboration together. Therefore, it is important to stay focused on maintaining and enhancing the relationship with your (future) employer.

When there is no room to negotiate in salary, you can also consider to negotiate on secundary benefits. Some companies offer flexible secundary benefits to create an offer that is tailor-made.”