How to Negotiate Your Salary During an Interview in 2025
Salary negotiation can feel uncomfortable, especially when you’re trying to make a good impression in an interview. Many candidates avoid it out of fear of losing the offer or say a number too soon. But here’s the truth: negotiating your salary is normal and expected.
If you approach it the right way, you can secure a fair offer and set the tone for how you’ll be valued in your new role.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- When and how to bring up salary
- What to say (and what not to say)
- How to use Preplink.ai’s Mock Interview Tool to practice your responses before the big day
What Salary Negotiation Really Means
Salary negotiation isn’t about being pushy or demanding, it’s about having a professional, informed conversation about your worth.
When interviewers ask, “What are your salary expectations?” they’re not testing your confidence; they’re checking whether your expectations align with their budget and your experience level.
Your goal is simple: show that you’ve done your research, that you know your value, and that you’re open to finding a fair range that works for both sides.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before the interview, research what similar roles pay in your location and industry. The more specific your data, the stronger your case.
Here are some trusted salary resources:
Example:
- In the United States, a Digital Marketing Manager typically earns $70,000–$95,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
- In the United Kingdom, the same role ranges from £45,000–£65,000 annually.
Doing this kind of research helps you speak confidently, not guess.
Step 2: Let the Employer Bring Up Salary First
If possible, avoid being the first to mention a number. If salary comes up early, politely defer until you’ve learned more about the role.
You can say:
“I’d love to understand the role and responsibilities a bit more before discussing compensation. I’m confident we can find a fair range for both sides.”
This shows professionalism and gives you more leverage when the time comes to negotiate.
Step 3: Know Your Value
Your negotiation power doesn’t come from your job title, it comes from your results. Be ready to show how your work has added measurable value in the past.
Example:
- “I helped increase website traffic by 60% in six months.”
- “I led a campaign that reduced customer churn by 15%.”
Numbers make your impact clear. They also help justify your target range.
Step 4: Give a Salary Range, Not a Fixed Number
When asked about your expectations, give a range that reflects your research and flexibility.
For example:
“Based on my research and experience, I’d expect something between $80,000 and $95,000 per year, depending on the overall compensation package.”
Avoid saying things like “I’m open” or “whatever you think is fair.” They make it seem like you haven’t done your homework.
Step 5: Think Beyond the Base Salary
Compensation includes more than just your base pay. If the offer is slightly below your target, you can negotiate for additional perks, such as:
- Health insurance
- Remote or hybrid work options
- Paid time off
- Annual bonus or performance review
- Stock options or equity
- Professional development budget
It’s not just about the number, it’s about the total value of the package.
Step 6: Practice Your Responses Before the Interview
You might know what to say, but how you say it matters even more. If you sound unsure or anxious, your message won’t land confidently.
That’s where Preplink.ai’s Mock Interview Tool comes in. It helps you rehearse your responses, get real-time feedback on tone, clarity, and confidence and sound more natural when discussing salary expectations.
Try it now: Practice salary negotiation with Preplink.ai
Step 7: Stay Professional, Even If You Don’t Get What You Want
If the offer comes in lower than expected, don’t panic or react emotionally. Instead, keep the conversation open.
You can say:
“Thank you for the offer. Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for something closer to [$X]. Is there any flexibility in the budget?”
Even if the salary can’t move, employers may adjust the offer through bonuses, training opportunities, or a review after six months.
And if it still doesn’t meet your minimum expectations, it’s okay to walk away politely. The right job will value your worth.
Example Salary Negotiation Script
Here’s how a calm, respectful negotiation might go:
Interviewer: “What are your salary expectations?” You: “Based on my research and background, I’d expect something between $85,000 and $95,000. I’m flexible depending on the total compensation package.”
Interviewer: “Our range is closer to $80,000.” You: “That’s a bit below my range, but if there’s room for a review after six months based on performance, I’d be glad to discuss further.”
That’s confident, polite, and solution-focused, exactly what hiring managers respect.
Global Salary Negotiation Tips
- Research compensation trends for your country or city before every interview.
- Avoid mentioning personal reasons for needing higher pay. Focus on market value and performance.
- Remember that salary transparency laws are growing in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, use that data to your advantage.
- Always send a thank-you email after the interview, regardless of the outcome.
Final Thoughts
Salary negotiation isn’t about luck, it’s about preparation, confidence, and communication. When you research your value and rehearse your responses, you’ll sound more confident and increase your chances of securing a fair offer.
Before your next interview, practice with Preplink.ai’s AI-powered Mock Interview Tool. You’ll get instant feedback on salary questions, behavioral answers, and tone so you walk into every conversation prepared and confident.
Start practicing today with Preplink.ai
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