How To: Negotiate Your Salary in a Job Offer (& make more $$$)

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0:00-0:42 intro
0:43-1:50 negotiation stats
1:51-2:51 financial incentives to negotiate early
2:52-5:41 reasons why people are scared of negotiating
5:42-7:16 "what are your salary expectations"
7:17-8:29 how to research
8:30-10:37 etiquette
10:38-13:22 how to answer "what are your salary expectations?"
13:23-13:52 how to initiate a negotiation
13:53-17:25 5 things people get wrong
17:26-18:27 outro
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SHOW NOTES //
Negotiating is *scary*. I won't argue with you there. It's also a little awkward. That's normal.
At the same time, it's also really important & completely expected in American work culture.
In this video, I:
~Calm any fears or anxieties you have about negotiating.
~Explain why it's so important to negotiate early & often.
~Offer specific techniques, tools, and scripts.
~Talk about common mistakes people make when going into negotiations (and how you can avoid them).
Whether you're a fresh college or high school graduate looking to land your first job, or a senior executive who's been in the workforce for decades-this video is for you. I not only cover practical negotiation advice but also work to give you the confidence you need to have that somewhat awkward and uncomfortable conversation. Negotiating your salary is normal, expected, and important. Don't lose out on this "investment" just because you're afraid of the company. They're expecting you to negotiate, so go for it!
______
ABOUT ERIN
Erin McGoff is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and content creator living in New York, NY. McGoff is passionate about making the world a better place through storytelling + democratizing access to quality career advice.
In 2021, her career advice went viral on the internet (tiktok.com/erinmcgoff) when she shared her template for the dreaded job interview question, "Tell Me About Yourself." Since then, Erin has continued to work full-time as a film director and editor, while also creating career advice content on the side. McGoff credits her success to her ability to research, passion for education, and personal experience as someone on both sides of hiring.
Upon graduating from film school, Erin received a fellowship from the Pulitzer Center to support her debut feature documentary about Laos, THIS LITTLE LAND OF MINES, which went on to receive festival accolades and international distribution. McGoff has also completed three short documentaries, SOUTHERN SUSTAINABILITY (2018), NEW YORK IS SILENT (Pulitzer Center, 2020), and DARROUZETT, TX (PBS, 2020). McGoff has worked with a variety of brands including Google, Meta, National Geographic, Capital One, Hilton, etc. You can view Erin's work at erinmcgoff.com
Today, she has over 2.4m followers and hosts Good For The Plot, a podcast demystifying career paths & redefining what success looks like.
______
#Salary #salaryincrease #jobinterview #jobsearch #workfromhome #wfh #personaldevelopment

[@AdviceWithErin]

For daily career advice, follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/advicewitherin ⭐

[@ericvandersteen6647]

you mean for daily let me destroy your career advice. just go with your guts people and let these so called advisors like erin believe in their own advice as they dont know anything about your specific case. Its all just general random bullshit. you are there in the interview so you know best what the course of action is.

[@meagancortez2568]

Hey, just wanted to say thank you for giving such great advice! I recently crushed a job interview - got the offer letter the next day - and one of the questions they asked was "what is your expected salary?". I remembered one of your videos which suggested that I ask "what is the typical pay for this position?". If I hadn't asked that question, I would have settled for about 10-15k less than what they would've given me! I start my new job next week. Again, thank you so much!

[@evanmcdaniel125]

I was just helping my girlfriend attempt to negotiate her salary for a promotion at her company. We prepped for it using the "Negotiation One Sheet" from Never Split The Difference. It turns out she was being offered the top number and there was no room for that, but they are working on some non-financial things for her. I am currently looking for a new role and found this video very helpful in preparation for my own potential interviews and negotiations. Especially the "what are your salary expectations?" part which is something I always fear could scare the employer away.

[@MakaykayLAMB]

I literally got a job offer today and came back to this video to negotiate salary and I’m so glad I did. Thank you for telling me to advocate for myself!!!! I did and I got what I asked for!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank for making accessible content like this Erin. After losing my job I was so distraught but I kept watching your videos and it really worked!!!!

[@AdviceWithErin]

I am so happy for you!!!!

[@happysunshine5906]

I once used that strategy of not saying a number for a role, and it backfired. I said I wanted to learn more about the role and the recruiter continued on with the process. We get to a point where she offers me the job and says she’ll send me the letter. But we had not talked about a number at all since the first call. I get the letter with 32k as the annual salary.

[@georgelopez9517]

I usually say that exact thing but immediately follow up with saying “Just curious to know, what’s the allocated budget for this role, so I can know if we are same page”. They usually tell but follow up with, “does that work for you because if it doesn’t I don’t want to waste your time or ours”. If the pay is around my ballpark and know I can negotiate more, I will say, that amount seems fair but again I would like to know more about the responsibilities first.

[@MuchCocoa]

that's why you say "market value"

[@pipsplay]

@Erin has a short about this, too. From my current job, I was talking to a recruiter and he asked my salary expectations, I said something non-committal and asked about the salary range they were offering. He said 90-120k, a good deal higher than I would have said (although about right for my position). Then he got back and said the hiring manager downgraded to 85-90k and *didn't want to waste my time*. 😥 I'm way underpaid at 60k in my current job. 85-90k is also above what I'm expecting for my next promotion.😥 I'm looking up the company now based on the description he sent over so I can apply directly. The work is a little specialty and sounds fun!

[@moodmusic2495]

If I was in your shoes, if you didn’t accept the offer yet, keep negotiating. All that was is an offer letter. Something important be ready to walk away from what does not serve you. If you wanted more money. Always ask. What does it hurt? This is why you do your research

[@songjoanne1811]

It happened to me too😢 I'm waiting to leave this, I felt so bad signing the contract 😭 but hopefully I'll leave this place soon 😊

[@rasikagasti]

Hi Erin! I really want to thank you for your advice! I'm a recent college graduate and I was offered my first job last week. I used your advice for negotiating my salary, and it worked! I was so nervous asking about it, but it was unbelievable that it worked and I ended up getting more than I was initially offered. It felt great standing up for myself. Thank you so much, again!😊

[@elizabethfolkers1836]

I think one great video idea is to do a practice/mock negotiation with a family member/friend of yours that hasn’t done any/has done little wage negotiation before and give them feedback. Thanks for the great videos as always Erin!!

[@Theshantipeople]

So much value not just in this video but in all of your content. Thanks Erin! I’m definitely gonna implement what I’ve learned here 💜🙌

[@NippyWolf]

Erin, I just wanted to say thanks! Your videos are always informative, professional, and genuinely helpful, especially during tough job searches. Your positive attitude is a real game-changer. Appreciate it! Really can't thank you enough

[@marioriveras]

Amazing video Erin! 🙌🏻 we need more videos like this!

[@saraanne_9908]

This is great advice! I’m using it now to counter 🤞🏽 I was always afraid they would rescind and bc i graduated in ‘09 everyone was just happy to have a job.

[@devarshichaturvedi8091]

Thank you internet big sister. Your advice and tips have hugely benefitted. Thanks for your Kindness

[@melanieneill3398]

Great advice Erin! Love your helpful tips...you made negotiation a whole lot less scary. Keep up the great job!!!

[@petitemaam]

Your videos are so helpful. Im so glad you've become a huge success on KZbin. Everyone needs to hear your advice.

[@amberkay2]

Erin! Thank you so much for helping me navigate this confusing and emotional ride of believing in myself enough to create the career of my dreams. It’s been tempting to give up, to settle, and to ignore my inner calling and then I remember - I GOT THIS!🎉❤

[@___Laura]

Thank you for all the great info in this video! I hope that I'll be at a point soon where I can put your advice to practice!

[@gsaint-amour]

Great salary negotiation advice, and presented very well too 👍

[@nadiiakeib9933]

love love love! Thank you I feel so much better after listening to you, understanding the world, behaviour, etc! Thank you, Erin!

[@amariahg5450]

I just negotiated my salary for a job offer and am currently waiting for a final yes/no. I did get an interim response while the hiring manager checks with the company that sounded very promising (essentially if I am willing to commit they will meet me at my counter offer). This is the first time I have ever tried to negotiate salary and I was very nervous, but I went in projecting confidence and respect and I definitely think it made a difference!

[@juliannaranjo404]

Thanks, Erin. I love you so much! And I'm so grateful for the fact that you exist, and you're sharing your wisdom, and knowledge with us! Thanks so much! I send a hug from Manizales, Colombia.

[@rakshithv]

You're awesome! Keep more of this coming! About to deploy these techniques as we speak B)

[@juliannaranjo404]

I'm so glad I found you. Thank you!!

[@ellie4123]

thank you so much for your videos and advice!! I watched your videos all throughout the job process and finally received an offer! I love how you roleplay exactly what you might say in a situation - it's super helpful to see that kind of thing.

[@ABCBom4thgen]

When asked my salary expectations, I turn the question back at them and ask them if their range is, if they say they're not sure, I ask if it aligns with the market value

[@davida6299]

Great video and advice as always. Thank you

[@nelsblair2667]

When friends ask me questions, I find the relevant Erin video and send the link.

[@laughandlove77]

Same lol

[@mistyknapp5026]

Great Advice!

[@sofly5286]

I really needed this video you have great points

[@sethuchiha22]

Thanks a lot Erin this really helped

[@user-uy3qf2oq1x]

Thank you for this video! I will check back in once I hear back from my counter offer :)

[@anarugamasaenz2283]

Great advice Erin!! I was just wondering if you have any tips to negotiate salary for contract position

[@AdviceWithErin]

👉Watch the trailer for my Career Masterclass: bit.ly/4379iij 👈

[@itsnotme07]

Great advice here Erin! And it's fun advice too....negotiations don't have to be painful...unless you're a used car salesperson...ouch! During my last interview/negotiation process...I had left my job months earlier (my choice, not theirs) and as such, the company I was interviewing with knew I did not have current employment. They made an offer of a salary...and I thought about it...and countered. But what? You have NO JOB to counter with? Well true, but I did have over 30 years experience behind me, and my "unemployment" time, was my choice...which means I'm not living paycheck to paycheck...and have some flexibility. Did I get the increase I asked for? No, I didn't, but most times, it does work. If you don't ask, you won't get an increase in the offer. So go ahead and learn how to ask. Keep it not personal and if you don't get the raise...well you still got an offer. And if they say no and you had another offer on the table...maybe they say yes? Decision made. Haha.

[@tonyg6103]

I think this advice depends on the position and the field you’re in. The customer service job I applied to was bulk hiring and had a default starting wage. I had no experience in that particular position but loads of customer service in my career. I felt like I had no leverage however.

[@katebush2623]

You open my mind to new perspective

[@AdviceWithErin]

That's amazing!

[@watermelon1835]

I just saw your linkedin and that you studied at Edinburgh Napier university! What a small world!

[@jacksonebendick9592]

New to your channel, love your videos.

[@AdviceWithErin]

Thank you, Jackson!

[@youssefmohamed-jt8qp]

thanl you so very much for your help

[@flaggov6949]

I used to run the office for the Department of Marketing for a local university. Never Split the Difference was their text for a professional sales course.

[@antoniobarros1979]

What if I'm the second pair of jeans and ask for a higher salary?

[@ElDuardo01]

I think the negotiation part should once you are sure you are the first pair. Anyways that will be my tactic on my upcoming interviews :)

[@laurasagan2606]

I wish I had this advice 8 years ago.

[@friendlymedstudent3991]

Hi Erin! Do you have a video that advises people that are already in a job to initiate raise/pay-increase conversations? Thank you!

[@_mklein]

That “The Office” episode sum all up! Lol

[@breosborne7905]

I think split the difference is a great book I’m reading it now. This will be my third time.

[@schuylerbrock]

This is super helpful. Thank you! Just one question... How do you negotiate when the offered salary is higher than expected? If they're offering me X, they're probably willing to pay me more, but how do I go about asking for more that when their offer is well above market value already?

[@michaelauer7543]

The Unverifyable Claim that the first Offer has a weaker stance is a Recruiter Trick. The whole Power Dynamic of the recruitment process is having the interviewd negotiate against themselves in their head and prostrate themself in a demeaning ritual because for them it is personal (Where and how do I spend 30+% of my life), for the company "It's just professional". This kind of Advice comes from HR People who either never understood that they are the Wardens of the Camp, or who don't want you to change the game. Because Advice is a longer sell, then actual solutions.

[@husnashahidd]

ITS A WOOWWW

[@jessicabentley6210]

any advice for promoting within the company? say from a worker to a supervisor? I have supervisor experience but still feel under qualified..

[@Chinedu311]

Hi Erin, do you think Easy apply jobs on Linkedin that ask for salary expectation when applying screen off people automatically based on result?

[@steffanyellis8292]

What do you do when the salary range is posted on the job description?

[@marieortiz.ivette]

Hi Erin! Quick question, is it possible to negotiate salary AFTER being offered the position? Even when you may have already put a number on it. I, apparently, did not make enough research before that first interview. Also, I hope my question was clear. Thank you in advance!

[@pharynx007]

as i understand it, after they offer, but before you've accepted it, is the usual timeframe for negotiating

[@chelmal]

What tips do you have for negotiations for an annual raise that is below inflation?

[@alliemullally483]

Question I started a job with an agreed salary, and certain amount of hours required of me to work per week. Slowly I’ve been working well over the 48hrs a week we agreed on, when I spoke to my DM she said yeah but that’s why you can earn bonuses. I explained that bonuses were an incentive for my sales, that was not included in my pay and amount of hours I would put in weekly. Say 48 hrs was what I was to work slowly, now I’m doing almost 70 hours a Week, how would you ask for a raise at this point only being with a company for 8 months.

[@mojojr5697]

What happens when you fill out the application online and the only options are salary ranges, what do you do then?

[@briannastevens8008]

Thank you so much for this advice!! Do you have thoughts on whether these conversations should be done in person/on the phone versus over email? My salary offer came in the form of an email but I do have their contact information and could call to discuss this instead if that is better.

[@Futu06]

Everything in writing, always. Even if they call you first, you always end it with "could you send me an e-mail with the details". Even if they seem like nice and trustworthy people, it's worth keeping in mind employers or hiring managers are not your friends.

[@shekar1996]

ambition box for pay scale

[@Nauseousfornoreason]

Do you have anything on what it would look like to request a pay rate increase ??? Esp after a “raise”

[@tillywilly2516]

Great video! Question when responding to the offer letter, with regards to pay and negotiating for more/ asking for the budget range, should it be verbal or can it be by email? Ty!!

[@tillywilly2516]

Update, I used your advice and was able to get over a 10% increase from their initial offer. I did call them to discuss the offer rather than sending them an email. Thank you!

[@elizabetha8565]

I liked parts of Never Split the Difference but honestly is was more fluff than anything else and he tells everyone to say verbatim 'how am I supposed to do that'. The book could have been a great 10min ted talk.

[@jcoopdo]

Find out what that titled role generally maxs at with all the education and experince, and then use your current experince level and education even if you have more experince and are over qualified and hit them on the higher end always. Never under value yourself. Learn how to talk, its not just about the anaylitics, its also about connecting with most of the people youll interview with. If you have have charisma, added with the experience, and education on top you can start at the max end of those projected salaries with whatever pto and bonus incentives etc. Gotta practice charisma, connecting with people. Ive worked with tons of people who had that spark with people, and they ALWAYS made more. Actually do a great job over your course of stay and hold your positive referrals from past emplyers and skies the limit, but generally wont ever be rich workinh for someone else.

[@yuzotova]

What I didn’t get is like should I negotiate in any case? If i think that’s salary is okay… or like I always should cause they always underpay…

[@pharynx007]

i am expecting to get a job offer tomorrow, and i plan on negotiating, because i will have the same job as my friend who works there, and i have a certification that he doesn't, and i have some job experience.

[@MRTcrafts]

@advicewitherin Hi Erin! I am new to your channel. I was wondering if you covered negotiations for a hourly rate versus annual salary? I am interviewing for a part-time role, and they listed an hourly range of $16-2 in the job posting, but I'd really love to get 22+, if possible! Are negotiations for part-time work and hourly rates different than what you detailed in this video? Thanks so much for all of your content, it is so helpful!

[@MRTcrafts]

@advicewitherin Whoops, typo! The rate range is $16-21. Thank you!

[@jessemarroquin8656]

Always counter offer

[@Aeh1286]

Any advice on a disclosed wide salary range of 74-120? Obviously want the higher end (and have more than enough experience) but afraid of being shut out. I interviewed with the same company a few years ago and lost out for this reason. Why include a range they don’t intend on honoring? 😰

[@shieeetface]

Give them a bottom line number that you expect and will not accept anything lower. And negotiate up after that.

[@poppadoms8462]

Do people also negotiate salary during promotion?

[@user_1380]

@AdviceWithErin can you do a video on how to be successful in an interview with more than one interviewer? Thank you so much for your content! I have an upcoming interview and have be watching your videos and feeling more confident with each view. Thank you.

[@MsBadassScientist]

How common is it to be told they don't negotiate at all any aspect of the job offer? Is there anything you can do? Every job offer I've gotten since graduating college I've tried to negotiate, first the salary and then other aspects of the offer and each time I've been told they don't negotiate at all and all parts of the offer are firm so the only options are to take it or leave it. This has occurred at completely different companies each time as well. Everyone always says to negotiate though so I've been surprised to be told repeatedly they refuse to negotiate. So it leaves me wondering how normal that is.

[@dodopson3211]

I think a good way around it is to look for a job when youre still working that way if they say it's non negotiable you can give a cheeky little smile and say "alright, thank you for your time, i think i will keep my skillset with my current company. Do let me know when you change your mind"

[@biamakesvideos]

what do i do if i said a number during the first interview but i dont know what the range was? all it said was “competitive”

[@melissafreed5165]

NEED ADVICE. The range posted on the job was 50-70k. Phone screen was told the same range again and they asked my range and I said 75-78k, but i don’t want that number to deter them from continuing me as a candidate. I got an interview with the hiring manager she really loved me and kept saying im a perfect fit. Did another 6 seperate interview with the team in 1 day and they all loved me. They took me out to lunch after and the hiring manager restated that “you know the range is 50-70k” and i said yes and she said great i just wanted to make sure you knew. I got a job offer the next day for 70k so top of their range. I want to negotiate 75k but am scared they will recind. Should I? The 75k is based on what other companies have offered and on my market research

[@MM-kr5yq]

Girl, what happened? I'm invested

[@melissafreed5165]

@@MM-kr5yq I crumbled didn’t ask. I was getting a lot of mixed opinions about asking above.

[@pipsplay]

@@melissafreed5165 I think that's fine. They told you a couple of times the top of their range is 70k. If that was a real deal-breaker, you should have told them before the 6 separate interviews. Know that you got the top of their range, and probably the best they could do.

[@shieeetface]

Just fyi. You would've lost that job offer. Typically that's the band range for that role that the company has allocated. Most of the time, companies will not budge on that band.

[@cavalcadeofperversions]

🖤

[@djtoxicdhg]

I allways negotiate hiyer pay all ways even when its a ded end job the only time i did not negotiate was when i was a kid getting my vary first job and the starting pay was only 7.25$ and even then i atleest tried to get more but thay still sed no but it never herts to ask

[@JohnTube2K]

My salary is in the 90th+ percentile…. I can’t use the market salaries online. So I am pushing the boundaries most of the time. Unfortunately, I am in the situation where I passed all the interviews and they want to hire me. They came back with $70k+ less than what I make now. After falling out of my chair I said that taking a pay cut is not possible. Now HR is going back to the hiring manager about this. No idea what is going to happen.

[@my2wins]

How did it go?

[@JohnTube2K]

@@my2winsthey came back with a total cash comp that was higher than my current salary. However the base is lower with a much higher bonus. Also I got stock options for a pre-IPO company.

[@my2wins]

@@JohnTube2K very cool. I’m trying to decide what to do in a situation that sounds just like yours. Helpful to hear your resolution - thanks 🙏

[@Connor-tp1lv]

11:30 if the first person to put out a number has the stronger position, why do any companies put out a number?

[@MaJieMao]

I would buy the cheaper pair of jeans...

[@NobodyNobodytrustNobody]

Same

[@Faith-sr8zw]

Salaries in the US are way more attractive

[@ElleMonzon]

Than where? Because if you aren’t from the US, you should keep in mind that what others might lack in salary they make up in social benefits (healthcare, pension, childcare, maternity leave) and cost of living (including cost of food)

[@kimmoussa4994]

Do I know you?

[@deisevfarias]

I just want to be your best friend ❤ how can you be so amazing, cute, beautiful and professional? I'm in love, for real ❤

[@sbcbaits994]

Do you only do it for women? Or do you do it for everyone?

[@misspriss2482]

The thing that bugs me about most of these skits is that they seemed so disconnected from real life. They seem to always assume that you have leverage or that they don't have 100 other people ready to accept the position. Some jobs have 10 qualified people that they can choose from who all seem like pretty good choices. If you won't accept a lower number, they will. Of course then people say, be willing to walk away. If you already have a job, that sounds good. If it took you forever to get an interview and you've got bills to pay, that's not always feasible. What I would like to see in some of these skits is more push back instead of the person you're dealing with immediately folding. If the person resists and challenges you, then what?

[@SpiritofAloha11]

This girl doesn't sound like she's actually negotiated a salary. She sounds like she's internalized all her Dads advice about what to say in theory.

[@shuaiwenleonsong1188]

In America, 50K salary is poverty line. Rachel and Roth will definitely not be able to have that show if they make that much living in NYC.

[@caspermcgonagle1532]

50,000 for a first job out of college is pretty standard for a lot of careers

[@SClearSC]

Tan linda 🩷