How to Negotiate Your Salary in English
Hosted by Anna BaranSalary negotiation feels uncomfortable even in your native language. This episode gives you the exact English phrases and strategy to ask for more — without sounding pushy.
About this episode
Salary negotiation is one of the most high-stakes conversations a professional can have — and doing it in English adds an extra layer of difficulty. Many international professionals either avoid it altogether or apologise their way through it, leaving money and respect on the table.
Anna covers the full negotiation arc: how to respond when asked for your salary expectations before you have an offer, how to counter a first offer that's lower than you hoped, and how to hold your position professionally when the employer pushes back. Every step comes with exact phrases you can practise and use.
The episode also addresses the most common fears — "I don't want to seem greedy", "What if they withdraw the offer?" — with practical perspective and language that keeps the conversation collaborative rather than confrontational.
What you'll learn
- How to handle 'What are your salary expectations?' before you have an offer
- Exact phrases to counter a low offer without damaging the relationship
- How to justify your ask using your experience and market data
- Holding your position when the employer says they can't go higher
- Scripts for the full negotiation — from first response to final agreement
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Book a free consultationFrequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to negotiate salary in English?
Not at all — it's expected. Employers typically build negotiation room into their first offer. Not negotiating can actually signal a lack of confidence in your own value.
What do I say when asked about salary expectations before I have an offer?
Give a range based on market research: 'Based on my experience and the industry benchmarks I've seen, I'm looking at something in the range of X to Y.' This keeps you flexible while anchoring the conversation.
What if the employer says they can't go higher?
Acknowledge it and ask what else is negotiable: 'I understand — could we look at a performance review after six months, or some flexibility on the start date?' Salary is rarely the only variable.
How do I justify asking for more money in English?
Reference your specific experience, measurable achievements, and market data — not personal needs. 'Given my track record of X and the current market rate for this role, I was hoping for Y' is far more persuasive than 'I need more because of my expenses.'