The best methods to get a salary increase

Salary negotiation often begins well before your first day of work, starting at the job interview. Studies show that around 60 % of men negotiate their salary at this stage, compared to 40 % of women.

How to succeed?

• • Research the salaries practiced for the role in your sector and region. This will give you a realistic starting point.
  • State your expectations clearly and confidently. For example: “Given my skills and the expected responsibilities, I am aiming for a salary of [amount].”
  • Be ready to justify your expectations by relying on your experience, specific skills and past results.

A common mistake is to want to obtain simultaneously a prestigious title and a salary increase. However, it is often more strategic to first negotiate the title or responsibilities, without mentioning immediately a salary increase.

The title is perceived as less costly by the employer, which shows that you prioritize responsibilities and career progression rather than your personal interests alone. This thoughtful and methodical approach increases your chances of obtaining higher compensation over time.

Why it’s a winning solution :

• • The title or responsibilities strengthen your position on the market : once obtained, they make you more attractive to competitors, giving you leverage for future negotiations.
  • The salary will follow naturally : once the title is obtained, it becomes easier to justify a salary request aligned with your new responsibilities.

Does this work every time ?

• • No. However, this guarantees you key indicators to determine the ideal moment to consider a change of role, while increasing your value on the market.

Being indispensable is one of the best ways to negotiate a salary increase. You must demonstrate that you bring a unique value to the company. A particularly strategic opportunity is to take on additional responsibilities when colleagues leave the company.

Practical tips :

• • Take the initiative to cover responsibilities left vacant after a departure.
  • Show your flexibility and your ability to adapt quickly to the needs of the company.
  • Use these efforts to justify a salary increase based on your exceptional contribution.

Taking initiatives beyond your initial responsibilities does not guarantee immediately a salary increase, but it builds a solid base to obtain recognition over time.

Concrete examples :

• • Propose innovative solutions to common problems in your team.
  • Train continuously to acquire in-demand skills, even if they are not required in your current role.
  • Show that you are an irreplaceable asset for the company.

Many professionals compare themselves to the market when they ask for a salary increase, but this approach can be risky. Employers want to hear about your results and your specific added value.

Do :

• • Talk about your concrete achievements : “I increased my team’s productivity by 15 % last year.”
  • Highlight your unique skills : “My mastery of [key skill] helped reduce the costs of the project by [amount].”
  • Focus on what you bring to your current company.

Avoid :

• • Avoid vague arguments or comparisons such as “Other companies pay more for this role.”

During a negotiation, it is crucial to remain firm on your expectations while remaining professional. Frequent compromises can reduce your credibility and suggest that you are ready to accept less than what you deserve.

Strategies to adopt :

• • Set a limit below which you are not ready to go.
  • Prepare alternatives (for example, additional benefits such as extra days off or a bonus) if the immediate increase is not possible.
  • Be patient and ready to wait for the right moment to obtain what you want.