Salary Negotiation - How to be Your Best Advocate
- MN Job Partners
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Negotiating your salary can feel intimidating—so much so that many people prefer to bypass this step. Worries about appearing greedy, damaging the relationship with a future boss, risking the offer, or not “deserving” more can shut down the conversation before it even begins. But here’s the truth: every year, candidates leave thousands - if not millions—of dollars - on the table simply because they don’t negotiate.
Here is the good news - it’s a critical part of the job search AND recruiters and employers fully expect you to negotiate. If handled well, thoughtful negotiation demonstrates your confidence in advocating for yourself and sets the foundation for future earnings and career satisfaction.
Keep the following tips in mind to set yourself up for a confident, successful negotiation
Timing is Everything
Know when to negotiate. This is when you receive an actual job offer, because you know that the employer wants you and you have the most leverage to negotiate.
When you receive an offer, don’t accept it immediately. Ask for approximately 1-3 days to consider it and arrange for a meeting at the end of this period. Make a list of your top 3 priorities on which you want to negotiate. Keep in mind salary isn’t the only negotiable item. You can also negotiate for PTO, signing bonuses, start date, professional development funds, remote or hybrid work, gym membership, parking, etc. Note that every employer has a different negotiating philosophy. Sometimes employers can’t negotiate on salary but are more flexible in other areas.
Know Your Value
Do a thorough assessment of your skills and accomplishments at the very beginning of your job search and carry it with you throughout the job search. Be very clear about the value you will bring to the employer and highlight this during the interview and negotiation meetings. Frame everything from the employer’s perspective and explain how you will help them with their pain points. Show how this sets you apart from other candidates.
Remember -- If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it!!
After all, if you don’t negotiate for yourself, who will?
Know Your Market Worth
Make sure you know what your market value is based on salary research (salary research sites are listed at the end of this article). Structure it this way throughout the process – “The market is paying $x for someone with my skills and experience. Is there room in the budget for this?”
Approach the Meeting as a Collaboration
Express your interest and enthusiasm in the job and company. Treat the negotiation as a win-win conversation, rather than as a demand. You’re working together to find a mutually beneficial agreement.
Ask open ended, powerful questions, such as “Are you open to negotiation?”, “Is this a possibility?” “Is that something we can explore?”.
For instance: “Thank you for the offer. I’m really excited about the opportunity. Based on my experience in digital content strategy and the scope of the role, I was hoping for something closer to $X. Is that something we can explore?
This approach keeps the tone positive while advocating for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Salary negotiation doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, solid research, and clear communication, you can approach the process with confidence.
Remember: negotiation is a normal and expected part of the hiring process. Advocating for yourself isn’t just about the number—it’s about setting the stage for a successful, sustainable career.