How to Negotiate Salary Over the Phone: 7 Salary Negotiation Tips 2023

Updated: October 23, 2022

Written by Eddy Ballesteros Personal Finance & AI Expert: Learn More

You've done the hard work and finally landed an interview for your dream job. But before you can start packing your bags and moving to your new city, there's one more important step: negotiating your salary.

For many people, this can be a scary and gut-wrenching feeling.

Salary Negotiation Tips

After all, salary negotiation is a complex process, and it's often difficult to know what to say or not to get the salary you deserve. But don't worry. We're here to help get you that dream job offer with more compensation.

This blog post will give you a few tips on negotiating salary over the phone. With a bit of preparation and practice, you'll be able to confidently ask for the compensation package you want.

Should You Negotiate Your Salary Over The Phone?

Regarding salary negotiations, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, always negotiate salary in person if possible. This way, when you face the hiring manager, you can remain confident and get it over with more quickly. I also think other job candidates might get the job offer if they are face-to-face.

If you have to negotiate over the phone, keep in mind that it's essential to be clear and concise about your expectations.

If you think you might do better via a phone conversation because of your body language and nervousness, I recommend doing this over a phone call.

7 Tips for a Successful Negotiation Over The Phone

When negotiating salary over the phone can be a little intimidating. That's why we've put together this overview of 7 tips to help you succeed in the negotiation.

First and foremost, make sure you set a time for the call in advance so you can prepare and won't be interrupted.

Next, do your research and know what to expect. This will help you be confident in your salary offer and counteroffer, if necessary. Start high by setting a baseline salary and negotiating from there.

Congrats, you got the job

Be prepared to answer questions about your experience and skill set during the call. And finally, be persistent don't start negotiating immediately.

The salary offer may be too low. With these tips on negotiating salary over the phone, you'll impress the hiring managers.

1. Be Prepared And Do your research

One of the most important things you can do when negotiating your salary is to be prepared. Know your worth and what you want to ask for before getting on the phone.

Have a few talking points ready to help you make your case, and be ready to back up your requests with data or specific examples. If you show that you've done your research and are clear about what you're asking for, you'll be in a much stronger position to negotiate a higher salary.

create talking points for salary

It's also important to remember that the salary negotiation process is an opportunity to demonstrate your value to potential employers. By being prepared and confident in your request, you can make a strong impression and set yourself up for success in the interview process.

2. Be ready for tough questions

There's no doubt that questions about salary negotiation can be challenging. However, the process will go much smoother by preparing for them and researching what most hiring managers might ask.

So if you prepare and answer tough questions confidently, you'll have the edge over other job seekers.

Additionally, ensure that answers are ready for any probing questions related to your experience or skill set. And finally, remember that salary is not the only factor employers consider when hiring someone new.

3. Know Your Value

Before getting on the phone, reviewing your other job offers and knowing your desired salary is important. After knowing your value and salary expectations, be prepared to negotiate salary and benefits in a way that is comfortable for you and the employer.

Make sure your salary range is realistic, and you are willing to compromise if negotiation leads toward a mutually agreeable solution.

Finally, be confident in yourself and professionally assertive when negotiating; this will raise your chances of winning the deal or at least coming out on top with something valuable trade-wise! This will help prevent any negotiating mishaps in the first place.

4. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive

When negotiating salary over the phone, it's important to be assertive and not aggressive.

You want to come across as confident without being rude or threatening. A new employer considers this because they want the best company culture for seasoned and young professionals.

Be cool and respectful

Remember that you are worth your asking price - so don't feel obliged to lower it just because the other person is in a difficult financial situation. Be prepared with a list of your past achievements and what you can offer the company in terms of value for money.

Don't hesitate to mention any perks or benefits that would make working at this organization more appealing than elsewhere.

Ensure you don't mention personal topics unless the potential employer asks.

5. Rehearse with a trusted friend

Preparation is vital when it comes to phone interviews. This way, you will be confident and better understand the questions that might be asked.

As anyone who has ever negotiated a salary knows, it can be a daunting task. There's a lot of pressure to get the number right, and it's easy to say the wrong thing. That's why it's always a good idea to rehearse with a trusted friend before you make that call.

Role-play the conversation, so you can practice counter-offers and other objections. That way, you'll be better prepared when it comes time to negotiate. And remember, salary is just one part of the equation.

Don't be afraid to ask for other benefits, like flexible hours or extra vacation days. Those can be just as valuable as a higher salary.

6. Follow up after the call

The follow-up is just as important as the initial conversation regarding salary discussions. If you're negotiating a base salary over the phone, take a deep breath and be prepared to state your case clearly and confidently.

Remember, you're worth more than you know, and the person on the other end of the line is likely to be open to giving you a raise if you ask for it. However, it's important to be realistic in your expectations and to have a solid understanding of your worth before entering into salary negotiations.

If you have a clear idea of what you want and are prepared to follow up after the call, you're more likely to get the salary package you deserve.

7. Be prepared to walk away After The Followup

When negotiating a salary over the phone, it's important to be prepared to walk away. If the company isn't willing to meet your needs, then it's not worth your time. It's okay to walk away for personal reasons or if you aren't happy with the salary offered.

However, if they are willing to offer you a higher pay than you initially asked for, then happily accept.

Remember, at the end of the day. You need to be comfortable with the salary that you're getting. If you're not, then it's not worth accepting the job. So never be afraid to walk away from a bad offer. It's better to have no job than a job that doesn't pay enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many job seekers are unsure how to negotiate their salary when offered a position over the phone. After all, it can be difficult to gauge the employer's reaction when you can't see their face.

Here are a few questions others have asked, and I hope this gives you a better understanding of a salary discussion.

How do I know if the company is offering me a fair salary?

It is essential to research and know your worth before negotiating a salary with a company. You can look up the average salary for your position and location online. Most online job sites allow you to see the current positioning salary history.

It is also a good idea to find out what the company's benefits are like. Some companies offer 401k plans or medical benefits. Knowing what the company provides will help you decide if their salary is fair.

job search benefits

You should also be prepared with answers to common salary questions. For example, you may be asked what experience you have or why you are worth the salary you are asking for. Practicing your negotiation skills with friends, family, or a job counselor can help you feel more confident when the time comes to negotiate a salary with a company.

Should I accept the first offer that the company gives me?

It is always best to accept your first offer if it is in the expected pay range. However, do not be afraid to ask for more if you have the in-demand skills they are searching for.

After all, your goal is to get a higher salary than what has been offered and make more money. When considering whether or not to accept an offer, always consider your skills and experience, the company's location, what type of work you would like to do at the company ( vs ), and how long you have been looking for a new job.

How do I counter an offer from a company?

If you're not pleased with the salary offer that a company has given you, there are a few ways that you can counter it.

First, you can start by politely declining the offer and explaining why you think the salary is too low. It's essential to be professional and calm when doing this so that you don't burn bridges. Next, try to come up with counteroffers that will make the company happy while meeting your needs.

For example, you could ask for a higher salary, more vacation days, or a signing bonus. Please make sure you are clear about what you're looking for in a new wage and don't back down when it comes to negotiations.

It's important to remember that you deserve to be paid what you're worth, and don't let anyone lowball you.

Is it better to negotiate in person, over the phone, or via email?

This is a question that doesn't have one correct answer. It depends on the person and the situation. If you're negotiating for something significant, you might want to do it in person to connect with the other person.

On the other hand, if you're negotiating for something less critical, negotiating over the phone might be a better option because you can get a better deal.

Your safest bet might be to initiate a salary negotiation email and get a response from there. Don't think emails will negatively affect your opportunity. You might still have a good chance if you are the right person for the job.

How much should I expect to be paid when negotiating my salary over the phone?

The first step is to understand the employer's salary range and requirements.

It's important to research ahead and look online or speak with friends and colleagues who work in that industry.

Don't make it awkward when you ask friends. Just let them know it's for business-related reasons.

Once you know what the employer is looking for, you can start preparing your salary negotiation. When negotiating salary over the phone, it is essential to be polite but assertive.

Make sure to avoid getting emotional, as this can diminish your chances of getting what you want. It is also necessary to end the negotiation on a positive note.

Thank the employer for their time and offer your services again in the future.

Conclusion

If you negotiate salary over the phone, don't forget to review the initial offer and additional benefits. While it's important to view your personal needs, you also want to ask yourself if your last job is worth it or if you want to move on to bigger and better things.

Here's a quick overview of what we talked about.

First, ensure you're prepared with your salary requirements and history. Second, be confident and assertive in your negotiation. Third, be willing to compromise. Fourth, be prepared to walk away if the negotiation isn't in your favor.

Fifth, be polite and professional. Sixth, take note of the company's salary range for the position you're applying for. This will let you start to counteroffer for the current position you are applying for.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for what you want. If you follow these tips, you'll have a successful negotiation over the phone.


About the Author

Eddy Ballesteros

AI & Marketing Nerd

Eddy is an AI, SEO, and personal finance blogger who uses and tests products to help others improve their lives through AI and financial literacy. With years of experience in online business, he deeply understands the latest AI and SEO trends. Eddy is also well-knowledged in personal finance and committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise with his readers.