How to Negotiate a Higher Salary and Get Paid What You Deserve

Why Salary Negotiation Matters

Let’s be real. Asking for more money can feel awkward. No one wants to come across as greedy or ungrateful. But here’s the truth—companies expect negotiations. In fact, most employers start with an offer lower than what they’re actually willing to pay. That means if you don’t negotiate, you’re probably leaving money on the table.

Think about it. You work hard, you bring value, and you deserve to be compensated fairly. But fair pay doesn’t just happen—you have to ask for it. And the way you ask can make all the difference.

So how do you do it without feeling nervous or saying the wrong thing? Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Know Your Worth

Before you even think about negotiating, you need to figure out what you should be earning. You don’t want to walk in and throw out a random number. It needs to be based on real data.

How Do You Find the Right Salary Range?

1. Check Salary Websites—Sites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary can give you an idea of what people in similar roles are making.

2. Talk to people in your industry—if you have connections in your field, ask them what’s normal for someone with your experience.

3. Look at job listings—some companies post salary ranges in their job descriptions. If similar positions are paying more, you’ve got a strong case.

Once you have a clear idea of the salary range for your role, you’ll be much more confident when you walk into the negotiation.

Step 2: Timing is Everything

You can have the best argument in the world, but if you bring it up at the wrong time, it won’t matter. Timing plays a huge role in whether you get what you ask for.

When is the Best Time to Ask for a Raise?

• During a Performance Review—Many companies expect salary discussions at this time, so it’s the perfect opportunity.

• After a Big Achievement—Did you just complete a major project or land a big client? That’s leverage.

• When You Get a Job Offer—This is the best time to negotiate because the company has already decided they want you.

One time you shouldn’t bring it up? When the company is struggling financially. If you know they’ve had recent layoffs or budget cuts, it’s better to wait.

Step 3: Build Your Case

If you’re going to ask for more money, you need to justify why you deserve it. Saying, “I want a raise because I’ve been here a year” isn’t enough. You need to show your value.

How Do You Prove Your Worth?

• List Your Accomplishments—Have you taken on more responsibility? Improved processes? Increased revenue? Write it all down.

• Use Numbers—Instead of saying “I’ve helped the company,” say “I increased efficiency by 20%” or “I brought in ₹5 lakh in sales.”

• Highlight Market Trends—If salaries in your field are rising, use that data to back up your request.

The goal is to make it obvious why giving you a raise is a smart business decision.

Step 4: Practice What You’ll Say

Walking into a negotiation without preparation is a bad idea. You don’t want to get flustered or forget important points.

What Should You Say?

Here’s a simple structure to follow:

1. Start with appreciation—“I “really enjoy working here and appreciate the opportunities I’ve had.”

2. State Your “Case—“Over the past year, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities and made key contributions, such as [specific example].”

3. Make Your Request—“Given “my contributions and market trends, I’d like to discuss adjusting my salary to ₹X.”

Short, direct, and confident. No need to over-explain or sound unsure.

Step 5: Let Them Talk First

If you’re negotiating a new job offer, try not to be the first one to mention a number. Why? Because the company might offer more than you expected.

If they ask what salary you’re expecting, you can say something like:

• “I’m open to discussing a salary that reflects my experience and the market value for this role. What range are you considering?”

This puts the ball in their court and gives you more room to negotiate.

Step 6: Handling Pushback

Not every employer will say yes immediately. Some might say,

• “We don’t have the budget for that.”

• “This is the best we can do.”

• “We’ll have to think about it.”

That doesn’t mean the conversation is over. Here’s how to respond:

1. Stay Calm and Professional—Don’t take it personally. Keep the conversation open.

2. Ask About Non-Salary Benefits—If they can’t increase your salary, ask about bonuses, stock options, extra vacation days, or remote work.

3. Request a Future Review—If they say no now, ask when you can revisit the conversation. “What goals would I need to meet to earn a raise in the next six months?”

Sometimes, persistence pays off.

Step 7: Know When to Walk Away

If a company refuses to pay you what you’re worth, you have to ask yourself—is this job really the right fit?

If you’re underpaid and they won’t budge, it might be time to explore other opportunities. The reality is, the biggest salary jumps usually come from switching jobs, not from raises at your current one.

It’s not about being greedy. It’s about knowing your value and making sure you’re in a place that respects it.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Be Paid Fairly

Negotiating your salary might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a skill that pays off—literally.

Remember:

• Know your worth—Do your research so you have a solid number in mind.

• Pick the right time—timing can make or break your request.

• Make a strong case—Show why you deserve it, not just why you want it.

• Stay confident—Even if they push back, keep the conversation open.

The worst they can say is no. But if you don’t ask, you’ll never know what was possible.

So go for it. Your paycheck will thank you.