What salary to ask for: negotiating without losing the offer

"What salary are you expecting?" makes many people nervous. Ask too high and you might lose the job; ask too low and you might regret it for years. The good news is that talking about pay is a skill you can practise, and most employers already expect some negotiation.

Prepare before the conversation

1. Look at job ads for similar roles. Many list a salary range. Compare roles, company sizes and provinces close to the job you are applying for.
2. Ask people in your field. Friends or seniors in similar roles can often give you a range, even if they will not share their exact figure.
3. Know your own numbers. Work out your real monthly costs and the lowest figure you would accept. Keep that number to yourself.

How to answer when asked

• If asked early, politely ask what budget the role has.
• If you must answer, give a range, and make sure the bottom of that range is a figure you are happy with.
• Always give a reason: experience that matches the role, measurable results, or skills that are hard to find.

A line that works: "Based on the responsibilities of this role and my experience, I am expecting something in this range, and I am happy to discuss the package as a whole."

When you receive an offer

• Say thank you and ask for time. One or two days is normal.
• Negotiate once, completely. Put everything you want to ask for into one conversation rather than coming back several times.
• Look at the whole package. If the salary cannot move, discuss leave days, working from home, travel allowance, a training budget, or a pay review after probation.
• Ask for everything agreed in writing.

What actually costs you the offer

Not negotiating, but how you negotiate. Bluffing about other offers you do not have, changing your number after agreeing, or negotiating with an irritated tone makes employers hesitate far more than a high figure does.

Timing matters too

Schedule the offer conversation or the signing on a day you feel ready, not a day you are tired or rushed. The good-days calendar tool shows days that suit negotiating salary and signing a contract, which you can use when planning.

Check good-days calendar before your offer conversation, and turn on LINE job alerts from your account page.