Salary negotiation can be awkward. Trust me, I’ve been there—palms sweaty, mentally rehearsing every possible scenario. But if you’re stepping into a new role or aiming for a raise in 2025, negotiating your salary is not just an option—it’s a must.

This article isn’t filled with textbook theories. Instead, it’s packed with real-world advice, examples, and human-first strategies that anyone—from fresh graduates to mid-level professionals—can actually apply. Let’s dive in.

Know Your Worth (And Be Able to Prove It)

Before walking into any negotiation, you need to understand your market value. This isn’t about guessing or going with gut feeling. Use tools like Payscale or Glassdoor to see what people in similar roles are earning in your city, industry, and experience level.

Take note of:

• Median salary range for your role

• Variance based on company size

• Extra value you bring (certifications, special skills, consistent high performance)

I once helped a friend increase her offer by 20% just by showing how her previous role included responsibilities that were above her pay grade.

Timing Matters More Than You Think

It’s not just what you say—it’s when you say it.

• Right after a successful project? Great time.

• Company just posted strong earnings? Even better.

• Boss is in the middle of a crisis? Maybe not.

Salary discussions should feel like a strategic conversation, not a surprise attack.

Practice Your Pitch Like a Pro

You wouldn’t show up to a marathon without training. Same goes for negotiations.

Try rehearsing your ask:

“Based on the market research and the additional responsibilities I’m handling, I believe a salary of [X] is fair.”

Confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s clarity. If you’re worried about nerves, record yourself. Play it back. Refine.

Have a Number (and a Range)

Always go in with a clear number and a justifiable range.

Let’s say you’re aiming for $75,000:

• Your range could be $72,000 to $80,000

• Make your ideal salary your starting point

Avoid phrases like “I’m open” or “Whatever you think is fair.” They put the power entirely in the other person’s hands.

What If They Say No?

Spoiler: sometimes they will.

Here’s what to do:

1. Ask why. Is it budget constraints? Performance-related?

2. Counter with non-monetary perks:

   • Remote work flexibility

   • Training budgets

   • Extra PTO

3. Schedule a follow-up: “Can we revisit this in 3 months if I meet specific goals?”

Negotiation is a process, not a one-time deal.

When Negotiation is Part of Internal Growth

You don’t need to change jobs to negotiate. Promotions and raises are fair game.

At our company, we use tools like Sewoork.com—a FREE HRIS tool for attendance and internal performance tracking. It’s helped our team keep transparent records of performance that make salary reviews easier and more grounded in data.

If your company uses performance-tracking tools, use that data to make your case. If not, track your own wins:

• Projects led

• Revenue impacted

• Efficiency improved

Keep a personal “brag sheet”. Trust me, it works wonders.

Don’t Negotiate Just for the Sake of It

It’s okay to accept an offer that’s already generous—especially if the benefits and culture align with your goals.

But also ask yourself:

• Will I feel resentful later if I don’t ask?

• Will I regret not trying?

Even asking for a small bump can set a higher starting point for future increases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not preparing enough: Winging it rarely ends well.

• Overexplaining or apologizing: Be concise. Don’t justify your existence.

• Threatening to leave: Unless you really mean it.

• Ignoring the full compensation package: Sometimes, benefits > base salary.

Real Example: “From $50K to $65K”

A former colleague of mine once got a job offer for $50K. She knew it was below market. She didn’t accept immediately. Instead, she responded with:

“Thanks for the offer. Based on market research and my experience managing teams, I was expecting closer to $65K. Is that something you can accommodate?”

They came back with $63K. Not bad for one email, right?

The Long Game: Building Negotiation Confidence

Negotiation isn’t a one-time skill. It’s something you build like a muscle. Here’s how to keep improving:

• Read books like Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

• Watch salary negotiation videos on YouTube from career coaches

• Role-play with friends or mentors

• Track every negotiation you’ve done, what worked and what didn’t

Bonus: Start Conversations Early

If you’re aiming for a raise later this year, start talking about your goals now. Don’t wait until December when budgets are locked.

Quarterly check-ins with your manager? Perfect chance to drop a subtle hint:

“What would it take for me to be considered for a raise or promotion by Q4?”

These early seeds grow into big results.

Final Thoughts

Negotiating your salary is uncomfortable—but necessary. In 2025, with remote roles, hybrid teams, and evolving workplace expectations, knowing how to ask for what you’re worth is more crucial than ever.

Use the tips above, prep like a pro, and remember: you’re not being greedy—you’re being fair to yourself.

And if you’re part of a growing company managing teams and attendance, tools like Sewoork can help streamline internal performance data (and yes—it’s FREE). For more info, feel free to reach out to info@sewoork.com.

Happy negotiating. You’ve got this.