The Smart Job Seeker’s Guide to Salary Negotiation

Whether you're a seasoned professional or navigating your first offer, salary negotiation can feel intimidating. But the truth is—negotiation is expected. Employers often anticipate a counteroffer, and when done respectfully and strategically, it can lead to better compensation and a stronger mutual fit.

At Jansen Talent Partners, we empower candidates to confidently advocate for their worth. Here’s our guide to navigating salary negotiations like a pro:

1. Know Your Value

Before any negotiation, understand your market value. Factors include:

  • Industry benchmarks for your role and location

  • Years of experience and relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, MBA)

  • Specialized skills (e.g., Excel modeling, real estate accounting, ERP systems)

  • Impact of past work (e.g., cost savings, team leadership, process improvements)

💡 Tip: Use tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, or speak to a recruiter for real-time compensation insights.

2. Timing Is Everything

Don’t jump into salary talks too early. Ideal moments to negotiate:

  • After receiving an offer (not during initial interviews)

  • When you’ve clearly demonstrated value to the hiring manager

  • If your recruiter presents the offer on the company’s behalf—lean on their guidance

3. Prepare a Clear, Respectful Counteroffer

If the offer falls below your expectations, respond with a gracious and professional tone. For example:

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to join your team. Based on my research and the value I bring to this role, I was expecting something in the $X–$Y range. Is there flexibility on the base salary or total compensation package?”

Key components of a strong counter:

  • Target salary range, not a single number

  • Justification (certifications, market rate, competing offers if applicable)

  • Willingness to collaborate (consider benefits, bonus, PTO, or hybrid flexibility)

4. Consider the Whole Package

Don’t focus on base salary alone. Evaluate:

  • Bonus structure

  • Equity or profit sharing

  • PTO and holidays

  • Health and retirement benefits

  • Flexibility (remote/hybrid, schedule)

  • Growth potential

Sometimes an offer that seems lower on salary may shine in other areas.

5. Practice Your Delivery

Whether you're negotiating directly or through a recruiter, be:

  • Confident but not combative

  • Grateful for the offer

  • Open to compromise

Rehearsing your response or role-playing with a trusted advisor can help ease nerves.

6. Know When to Say Yes (or Walk Away)

If the employer meets you halfway and the role aligns with your long-term goals, don’t overplay your hand. However, if compensation is far below market—and there’s no movement—it may be a sign to walk away.

🎯 A good negotiation ends with both parties feeling positive about the outcome.

Let Us Be Your Advocate

At Jansen Talent Partners, we guide you through the entire offer process—from resume to negotiation. We’ll help you:

  • Benchmark your salary expectations

  • Communicate with confidence

  • Avoid common pitfalls

  • Get the offer you deserve

Looking for guidance or a role that aligns with your true value?
👉 Contact Us Today and let’s discuss your next move.