Job offers: negotiating salary and benefits politely
1
Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- In your culture, how openly do people talk about their salaries with friends, family, or colleagues? What are your personal feelings about this?
- Besides the base salary, what other elements of a compensation package, like flexible hours or professional development opportunities, would make a job offer truly attractive to you?
- Imagine a friend received a job offer they were generally happy with, but they suspected they could ask for more. What advice would you give them, and what factors should they consider before negotiating?
2
Salary Negotiation Skills
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
3
Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01Why does the article suggest using indirect language when negotiating a salary?
Sample answerBecause direct questions or statements can make you sound too demanding or aggressive. Using indirect language helps to keep the conversation positive and professional.
02Based on the key terms provided, what is the likely difference between a 'base salary' and a 'compensation package'?
Sample answerA 'base salary' is probably just the fixed amount of money you get paid, whereas a 'compensation package' is the total value of everything offered, which could include the salary plus benefits like health insurance or bonuses.
03How can using conditionals, a key grammar point in the lesson, be an effective strategy in a negotiation?
Sample answerConditionals let you propose hypothetical situations without making firm demands. For example, you could say 'If you were able to offer a higher salary, I would be ready to accept.' It shows you're flexible and helps you explore options.
04Considering terms like 'leverage' and 'counter-offer', what steps should a person take before entering a negotiation with a hiring manager?
Sample answerA person should research the typical salary for the position to have some 'leverage' and justify their request. They also need to be prepared to make a reasonable 'counter-offer' if the initial offer isn't what they expected.
4
Key vocabulary for negotiation
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you discuss salary and benefits more effectively. Try to use them when you practise.
Examples
To meet someone halfway — to compromise or make a concession to someone, especially during a disagreement or negotiation.
Usage note: This is a common and friendly way to suggest finding a compromise. It shows you are willing to be flexible to reach an agreement.
A sticking point — a specific issue or problem that is preventing progress or stopping an agreement from being reached.
Usage note: Use this phrase to identify the main obstacle in a negotiation. Common collocations are 'the main sticking point' or 'a major sticking point'.
To bring something to the table — to contribute a valuable skill, idea, or quality to a job, project, or discussion.
Usage note: This phrase is excellent for highlighting your unique value during a negotiation. It helps you justify why you deserve what you're asking for.
Room for manoeuvre — the opportunity or flexibility to change your position or decisions to achieve a goal.
Usage note: This is a slightly more formal alternative to 'wiggle room'. You can use it to politely ask if an offer is final, for example: 'Is there any room for manoeuvre on the proposed salary?'
To stand one's ground — to maintain your position and refuse to change your opinion, even when facing pressure or opposition.
Usage note: This idiom suggests being firm and confident. While important in a negotiation, be careful with your tone to avoid sounding aggressive. It's about being assertive, not confrontational.
5
Complete the sentences with words or phrases from the box. One item is extra.
Word bank
01The company couldn't match my salary expectation, but they offered to meet me with a better bonus structure.
02The main in the negotiation was the number of annual leave days, as we couldn't agree on a figure.
03During the interview, I made sure to highlight the unique skills and experience I could bring to the .
04The initial offer was quite rigid, but the hiring manager suggested there might be some room for on the benefits package.
05Although I was flexible on the start date, I decided to stand my on the request for remote work options.
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Grammar: Indirect questions
Grammar
Indirect questions are a more polite and formal way to ask for information. Instead of asking a direct question, we use introductory phrases to soften the request. This is especially useful in professional situations like salary negotiations to sound less demanding and more collaborative.
Examples
Could you tell me if there is any flexibility on the base salary?
We use an introductory phrase ('Could you tell me...') and change the word order of the original question ('Is there...?') to a statement form.
I was wondering what the typical bonus structure looks like.
For 'wh-' questions, the verb comes after the subject. Incorrect: '...what does the structure look like?'. Correct: '...what the structure looks like.'
I would be interested to know when I can expect to receive the full written offer.
This structure is a statement that contains a question, so it ends with a period, not a question mark.
Key points
- Always start with a polite introductory phrase (e.g., 'I was wondering...', 'Could you explain...').
- After the introductory phrase, use statement word order (subject + verb), not question word order.
- Pay attention to punctuation: if the introductory phrase is a question ('Can you tell me...?'), use a question mark. If it's a statement ('I'd like to know...'), use a period.
7
Correct the mistake
Read the sentences below. Each one has a single error related to grammar or vocabulary from the lesson.
Find the error in each sentence and write the corrected version.
01I was wondering if could you tell me more about the compensation package.
Corrected version
I was wondering if could you could tell me more about the compensation package.
02If the company would be able to meet me halfway, I would be ready to accept the offer immediately.
Corrected version
If the company would be were able to meet me halfway, I would be ready to accept the offer immediately.
03My unique experience in this area gives me significant lever during the negotiation.
Corrected version
My unique experience in this area gives me significant lever leverage during the negotiation.
04The main sticking point on the agreement seems to be the number of paid holidays.
Corrected version
The main sticking point on in the agreement seems to be the number of paid holidays.
05After reviewing the initial offer, I would like to make a contrary-offer.
Corrected version
After reviewing the initial offer, I would like to make a contrary-offer. counter-offer.
06I look forward to hear from you soon regarding the updated terms.
Corrected version
I look forward to hear hearing from you soon regarding the updated terms.
07What I bring to the table are not just my skills, but also my extensive network of contacts.
Corrected version
What I bring to the table are is not just my skills, but also my extensive network of contacts.
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Useful phrases: Discussing a job offer
Vocabulary
When you receive a job offer, you might need to discuss the salary or benefits. These phrases will help you negotiate politely and professionally, showing that you are confident in your value while also being collaborative.
Examples
''Thank you so much for the offer. I'm very excited about the opportunity.'' — to express gratitude and enthusiasm.
Register: Neutral/Formal. Always start the conversation with this. It creates a positive atmosphere before you begin to negotiate.
''I was wondering if there is any flexibility on the proposed salary?'' — to gently open the negotiation.
Register: Neutral/Formal. This is a polite, indirect way to ask if the salary is negotiable. It sounds much softer than 'Can you offer more money?'.
''Based on my experience and the market rate for this role, I was hoping for a figure closer to [your target number].'' — to make a clear and reasoned counter-proposal.
Register: Formal. Use this to state your desired salary. Mentioning 'market rate' and 'experience' makes your request sound objective and well-researched.
''Considering my background in [specific skill] and my ability to [achieve a result], I feel that a higher salary would better reflect the value I can bring to the team.'' — to justify your request.
Register: Formal. This phrase connects your salary expectation directly to the specific skills and value you offer the company. Be prepared to give a brief example.
''Is there a way we could bridge the gap between the initial offer and my salary expectations?'' — to invite collaboration and compromise.
Register: Neutral/Formal. Use this if there's a difference between their offer and your request. It shows you're willing to work together to find a solution.
''I'd be happy to consider the full compensation package, including benefits and bonuses, to see if we can find a mutually agreeable solution.'' — to broaden the discussion beyond base salary.
Register: Formal. If the company can't move on salary, use this to show flexibility and open a discussion about other valuable parts of the offer, like extra vacation days or a performance bonus.
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Key phrases for negotiation
Complete the sentences to form common phrases used when discussing a job offer.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
10
Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Some people believe you should always negotiate a job offer, while others think it can be risky. When do you think it's crucial to stand one's ground on a salary request, and when is it wiser to accept an offer that has little room for manoeuvre?
- Thinking about your country's work culture, what is the typical approach to salary negotiation? Is it more common for employers and candidates to meet halfway, or is there an expectation for one side to have more power? Describe a potential sticking point that might arise from cultural differences.
- Imagine you have a unique skill or certification that is rare in your field. How would you communicate what you bring to the table during a negotiation to justify a higher salary, especially if the company's initial offer is disappointing?