How to Negotiate Your Salary Without Feeling Awkward
Practical scripts and strategies to help you ask for what you're worth — and actually get it.
85% of hiring managers say they have room to negotiate — but less than 40% of candidates actually try. That gap costs the average professional ₹15–30 LPA over a decade. Here's how to negotiate confidently, without burning the bridge.
The Golden Rule: Always Negotiate
No offer has ever been rescinded because a candidate politely negotiated. The worst they can say is 'this is our best offer' — and then you decide. But most of the time, there's room.
Do Your Research First
- Check salary ranges on EkClickJob, LinkedIn Salary, and Glassdoor
- Talk to people in similar roles at similar companies
- Know the full compensation: base, variable, ESOPs, insurance, WFH allowance
- Know your walk-away number before the conversation starts
Scripts That Actually Work
"Based on my research and the responsibilities of this role, I'm targeting ₹X–Y. Is that in the range you had in mind?"
"Thank you for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about this role. Based on my experience and market data, I was expecting closer to ₹X. Is there flexibility there?"
"I understand. Can we look at other components — joining bonus, additional leave, or a 6-month review with a performance increase?"
Beyond Base Salary: What Else to Negotiate
- Joining bonus (especially if you're giving up unvested ESOPs)
- Work-from-home days per week
- Performance review timeline (ask for 6 months instead of 12)
- Learning and development budget
- Additional leave or flexible hours
- Title upgrade (sometimes more impactful long-term than salary)
Negotiating isn't being greedy — it's demonstrating that you know your value. Companies respect that.
Use EkClickJob Salary Insights to benchmark your offer before you respond.
Vikram Nair
Executive Coach at EkClickJob