Know Your Market Value
Negotiating isn’t just about asking for more—it’s about aligning your compensation with the value you bring. Doing your research shows employers you are informed and professional.
Top Tips:
- Research industry salary ranges – Use sites like:
- CareerOneStop – to research salary ranges by industry, job title, city & state
- Payscale – average salary by role and location
- LinkedIn Salary Insights – role-based ranges and trends
- BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) – industry data in the U.S.
- Factor in location & cost of living – Salaries vary widely depending on city, region, and remote options.
- Consider total compensation – Benefits, PTO, healthcare, retirement contributions, and signing bonuses add value.
- Know your unique value – Highlight skills, internships, leadership experience, or certifications that set you apart.
Timing & Approach
Best Practices:
- Wait for the offer stage before discussing salary.
- Express enthusiasm for the role first, then bring up salary or benefits.
- Be polite, professional, and confident—avoid ultimatums.
- Prepare to justify your request with industry & salary research and personal qualifications.
Quick Action Checklist
✅ Research your target salary range for your role & location
✅ List your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments
✅ Practice negotiation conversation aloud or with a mentor
✅ Prepare polite, confident phrases for discussion
✅ Review total compensation (benefits + perks) before deciding
Suggested Phrases to Start the Conversation
Polite & Professional Openers:
- “ I’m very excited about the opportunity. Based on my research and experience, I was hoping we could discuss the salary to ensure it aligns with the role’s responsibilities.”
- “Thank you for the offer! I’d like to explore the salary and see if there’s flexibility to reflect my experience and skills.”
- “I’ve researched the market for similar positions in this area. Could we discuss the starting salary to make sure it’s competitive?”
- “I’m thrilled about joining your team. Before I accept, I’d like to review the full compensation package.”
If you receive a number lower than expected:
- “I appreciate the offer. Based on my research and experience, would it be possible to consider [specific amount or range]?”
- “Could we discuss options for increasing the base or additional benefits to better reflect market standards?”
Resources for Students
- Berea College Internships & Career Development – individual coaching & mock negotiation sessions
This guide summarizes current interviewing trends using publicly available resources and career advising publications, with additional guidance for Berea College students by Amanda Clemens Tudor, Director of Career Development.
