Salary Negotiation

Successfully Negotiate More Salary

A salary negotiation can be nerve-wracking - but it doesn't have to be. With the right preparation and the right arguments, you can go into the conversation confidently and significantly increase your chances of a raise.

Studies show: Employees who actively negotiate their salary earn an average of several hundred thousand euros more over their careers than those who never negotiate.

Tip 1: Know Your Market Value

Before you go into a salary negotiation, you should know what is typical for your industry and position. Use:

• Salary comparison portals (e.g., Gehalt.de, StepStone Salary Report)
• Industry-specific salary studies
• Conversations with colleagues (if possible)
• Job postings with salary information

Tip 2: Convert Desired Net to Gross

First think about what net salary you need, then calculate back what gross salary you need to ask for.

Example: You want €500 more net? Depending on tax class and current level, you need about €800-1,000 more gross.

Tip 3: Gather and Document Arguments

Collect concrete evidence of your added value:

• Successes: Which projects have you successfully completed?
• Numbers: Revenue increase, cost savings, new customers acquired
• Responsibility: Have you taken on additional tasks?
• Qualifications: New certificates, training, degrees
• Team Performance: Have you helped others perform better?

Tip 4: Choose the Right Timing

Timing is crucial. Good times are:

• After successfully completed projects
• During the annual performance review
• After the probation period
• When the company reports good figures
• When taking on new responsibilities

Unfavorable times: Right after a merger, during layoffs, in the middle of a crisis, right after a mistake.

Tip 5: Name the Right Amount

Ask for a bit more than you actually expect - but stay realistic:

• 10-15% more for normal salary adjustment
• 15-25% more with significantly more responsibility
• 20-30% more for a promotion

Tip 6: Practice the Conversation

Practice the salary negotiation beforehand - ideally with someone you trust:

• Formulate your arguments out loud
• Practice countering objections
• Train to endure silence
• Pay attention to body language (upright, eye contact)

Tip 7: Confident, But Not Arrogant

Your demeanor is crucial:

• Say "I expect" instead of "I would like"
• Justify factually why you deserve more
• Stay friendly and professional
• Don't threaten to quit (unless you mean it)

Tip 8: Prepare Alternatives

If a salary increase isn't possible, have alternatives ready:

• Bonus/Premium: One-time payment instead of permanent increase
• Company Car: Can be tax-advantageous
• Home Office: Saves commuting costs and time
• More Vacation: Additional days off
• Training Budget: Investment in your future
• Company Pension: Employer contribution
• Work Phone/Laptop: For private use

Tip 9: Get Written Confirmation

When you've reached an agreement:

• Have the agreement documented in writing
• Clarify the exact start date of the increase
• Ask for a new employment contract or addendum

Tip 10: Stay Persistent

A rejection isn't the end:

• Ask for the exact reasons
• Arrange a specific new date (e.g., in 6 months)
• Ask: "What do I need to achieve to get the raise?"
• Document the goals and work towards them

Example: How a Conversation Opening Might Sound