How to Negotiate a Better Salary

What do you say to negotiate a higher salary? Kamil Zajaczkowski/Shutterstock

Asking for a bigger salary isn’t the most comfortable situation for most people. Whether you’re interviewing for that dream job or have been employed at the same place for years, this is true. But if you know your skills are worth more money, asking for it is perfectly acceptable.

But despite what you bring to the table, you still must explain why and ask for the increase. There are steps to negotiating that highlight what you have to offer a company and why you’re worth it.

You Don’t Need the Money

You have childcare, a mortgage payment, car insurance; most everyone else does, too. So don’t go into negotiations telling the manager or HR director how you “need” the raise or salary.