How to Negotiate a Higher Salary
You’ve made it to six figures—congrats! But let’s be real, you didn’t come this far just to come this far. Ready to cash in on your expertise and start climbing faster? Let’s talk negotiation.
As an experienced professional in your 30s, you have the skills and leverage to negotiate even greater compensation. Think of it as a strategic investment in your future. Stronger negotiation skills can unlock higher earnings, faster career growth, and greater financial security.
The Best Negotiation Strategy
Putting your preparation into action involves confidently stating your desired salary range right from the start.
Expect pushback. If your manager raises concerns, be ready to counter with specific examples of your impact. Stay calm, stay professional, and frame the conversation around mutual benefit—how your growth and happiness directly contribute to the company’s success.
Once you’ve reached an agreement, express gratitude and get the details of your new compensation confirmed in writing.
Negotiating starts with understanding your unique worth. Let’s break it down into three key steps to ensure you nail the conversation.
Step 1: Know Your Value
Know your worth. Start with research—Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Salary.com are great starting points—but don’t stop there. Factor in what sets you apart: the revenue you’ve driven, the projects you’ve crushed, and those hard-earned certifications. Your unique value isn’t just a number; it’s a story worth telling.
Step 2: Prepare Your Case
Successful negotiation requires preparation:
Define Your Goals: Target salary range? Other benefits (vacation time, flexibility)?
Gather Evidence: Compile data to support your request: market research, performance reviews, quantifiable achievements. Review your work history to identify accomplishments beyond your job description.
Demonstrate Value: Make your impact visible. Track your accomplishments, highlight successful projects, and quantify your results (e.g., "increased sales by 15%," "streamlined the process by 20%").
Timing & Location: Choose a time when your boss is receptive and a private setting for an open conversation.
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Step 3: Own the Ask
Negotiation isn’t just about tactics—it’s a mindset. You bring value, and you deserve to be compensated for it. Speak with confidence, back it up with facts, and don’t let self-doubt creep in. If you don’t believe in your worth, why should anyone else?
Email Template for Salary Negotiation
The primary reason a salary negotiation is successful is because the information offered is logical and requires no emotional pleading. Let your work speak for itself.
The best-case scenario is to have this conversation face-to-face with your employer. Sometimes it’s just as hard to say no to someone’s face as it is to ask for a raise directly.
But in certain cases where you’d like to lay out your argument via email, try this flow:
Traditional greeting: (e.g., "Dear [Manager's Name]")
Personality connection point: (e.g., "I enjoyed our conversation last week about [shared interest]," or "I hope you had a relaxing weekend.")
Something kind and complimentary: (e.g., "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work at [Company Name] and learn from you and the team." or "I've really appreciated your guidance and support on the recent [Project Name] project.")
Transition intro to ask: (e.g., "With that said, I'd like to discuss my current compensation." or "I'm writing to request a review of my current salary.")
The ask: (e.g., "Based on my recent performance and contributions, I'd like to request an increase in my salary to [desired salary range]." or "I believe my current compensation no longer reflects the value I bring to the team, and I'd like to propose a salary adjustment.")
The why: (Use this section to provide evidence: highlight your achievements, quantify your impact, and reference market data from Step 1.)
Schedule a follow-up: (e.g., "I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further in person. Would you be available for a brief meeting next week?" or "Please let me know if you're open to discussing this further. I'm available to chat at your convenience.")
Salutation: (e.g., "Sincerely," "Best regards," "Thank you,")
Here's an example incorporating these elements:
Subject: Salary Review Request
Dear [Manager's Name],
I hope you’re having a great week. I wanted to follow up on our conversation last week about [mention a shared interest or recent project you discussed].
I'm writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work at [Company Name]. I've learned so much from you and the team, and I'm truly enjoying contributing to our success.
With that said, I'd like to request a review of my current salary. Since joining the team [time frame], I've consistently exceeded expectations in my role. For example, I [quantifiable achievement 1, e.g., increased sales by 15%], [quantifiable achievement 2, e.g., streamlined the onboarding process, reducing onboarding time by 20%], and [quantifiable achievement 3, e.g., successfully launched [new initiative] which resulted in [positive outcome]].
Additionally, based on my research of comparable positions in the [your location] area, the average salary for someone with my skills and experience is between [salary range].
Considering my performance, contributions, and current market value, I'd like to request a salary increase to [desired salary range].
I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further in person at your convenience. Please let me know your availability for a brief meeting next week.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
The Bottom Line
Negotiating a higher salary isn't just about earning more; it's a strategic investment in your future. And it starts with knowing your worth.
But it's not enough to just know it – you need to confidently articulate it. By preparing diligently and employing effective strategies, you can ensure your compensation reflects the true value you bring to the table so you can change the trajectory of saving for your dream home, traveling the world, or just feeling more valued at work. You’ve already put in the work—time to make it pay off.
Key Takeaways
Uncovering Your Market Value: What are YOU really worth?
Prepping for Negotiation: Laying the groundwork for success
Negotiation Strategies: Proven tactics to get what you deserve
Mastering the Art of the Ask: Confidence, clarity, and closing the deal
The F. Word
Ready for some real talk on how to master your money? Pull up a chair and pour yourself a glass.
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