You’ve just received a job offer that’s lower than you hoped for.
And you’re torn between accepting immediately and asking for more (because you know you’re worth it).
If this sounds familiar you’re not alone.
After helping hundreds of tech professionals navigate salary negotiations, we’ve noticed that even brilliant developers, engineers, and tech leaders often accept their first offer without discussion.
And in fat companies expect you to negotiate.
Mindset
Salary negotiation isn’t about being greedy or difficult. It’s about having a professional discussion about the value you bring and ensuring fair compensation for your skills and experience.
Companies have salary bands, not fixed numbers. That initial offer is typically the bottom of their range, not their best and final offer. HR teams have approval to go higher – they’re just waiting to see if you’ll ask.
Tech professionals who negotiate their starting salary earn an average of £8,000 more per year than those who accept the first offer. Over a career, that compounds to hundreds of thousands of pounds in additional earnings.
Preparation
Research your market value Use Glassdoor and salary surveys to understand what people with your skills and experience earn. But don’t just look at base salary, consider total compensation including equity, bonuses, and benefits.
Document your value Create a list of specific achievements, projects you’ve led, problems you’ve solved, and skills you bring. Quantify wherever possible.
Understand the full package Salary is just one component. Know what matters most to you.
Set your range Decide your ideal salary (ambitious but realistic), your target salary (what you’d be happy with), and your walk-away point (below which you won’t accept). This gives you negotiation flexibility.
Common negotiation mistakes to avoid
Apologising for Asking “Sorry to ask, but…” weakens your position before you start. You’re having a professional discussion, not asking for charity.
Making it personal “I need more money because of my mortgage/student loans/lifestyle” focuses on your needs rather than your value. Companies pay for value, not personal circumstances.
Accepting immediately without discussion Even if the offer meets your expectations, saying “I’d like to review this and get back to you tomorrow” gives you time to think and shows professionalism.
Negotiating only salary Sometimes companies have salary constraints but flexibility on equity, benefits, start date, or professional development. Explore all options.
Being ultimatum heavy “If you can’t meet my salary requirements, I’ll have to decline” should be your last resort, not your opening position.
What to do when they say no
Ask Questions “Can you help me understand how you arrived at this figure?” or “What would need to change for us to revisit compensation in the future?”
Explore Alternatives “If salary isn’t flexible, could we discuss a signing bonus or earlier performance review?”
Get Specifics on Growth “What would success in this role look like, and how is compensation typically reviewed?”
Negotiate Future Increases “Could we agree on a salary review after 6 months based on performance milestones?”
When to walk away
Sometimes the best negotiation outcome is declining the offer. Walk away if:
- The final offer is below your minimum acceptable salary
- The company seems offended that you negotiated
- They can’t or won’t discuss compensation openly
- The negotiation reveals cultural red flags about how they value employees
Following Up and Closing
Once you reach agreement:
Get everything in writing “Could you send me the updated offer details in writing? I’m excited to move forward.”
Express appreciation “Thank you for working with me on this. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team.”
Respond promptly Don’t leave them hanging. If you need time to decide, give them a timeline.
The Long-Term Impact
Negotiating your starting salary doesn’t just affect your first year – it sets the baseline for every future raise, bonus, and job offer. Companies typically give percentage-based increases, so starting higher means earning more throughout your entire tenure.
The confidence you build from successful salary negotiation also translates to other professional situations: asking for promotions, leading projects, and advocating for resources your team needs.
If you’re looking for an increase on your current salary and perhaps wondering how the market is looking, get in touch today:
0117 450 7700
info@theengagepartnership.com
