Job offer negotiations

About salary negotiations

Negotiation is a normal and expected part of the hiring process. There’s often room for negotiation, yet many people don’t negotiate their salary.

Negotiation starts with research. Learn the norms of your industry and field, and think beyond salary. Vacation, benefits, moving expenses, flex time, and more, can all be negotiated.

Build your case

You typically have the most leverage to negotiate before accepting the role, rather than later in the job.

Factors that affect your offer

Do your research before negotiating and know what will influence the offer:

  • Supply and demand for your skills
    Think about which skills are common and which are not.
  • Type of employer or industry
    Some employers or industries pay more than others.
  • Geographic location
    Salaries vary regionally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Relevant experience and skill level required
    Your relevant experience and skill sets are your biggest advantage when added to your degree.
  • Industry or position salary range
    Know the lowest, average, and highest salary in your field.

Preparing for the negotiation

Being prepared will enable you to carry out a stronger negotiation.

  • Anticipate scenarios and questions
    Remember that many employers expect you to negotiate.
  • Practice responses
    Practice will increase your confidence and calmness.
  • Strive for mutual agreement versus confrontation
    Remember you are advocating and when done well, you will gain respect from this prospective employer. Stay calm, stay focused, and demonstrate your value.
  • Be strategic
    Consider the timing of questions concerning salary expectations.
  • Be prepared to follow up
    After your negotiation, it’s best practice to send a follow-up email. Include your key points supporting the compensation rate, range, or package you are negotiating for.

BC Pay Transparency Act

On Nov 1, 2023, the Pay Transparency Act (PTA) took effect in British Columbia. Under the Act:

  • Employers in BC must include the expected pay or pay range in all public job postings.
  • Employers in BC can not ask job applicants about what they have been paid by other employers.
  • Employers in BC cannot dismiss, suspend, demote, discipline or harass an employee who asks their employer about their pay, or reveals their pay to another employee or job applicant.

Given the above, make sure you save the information about the compensation range on the job posting when you apply.

Responding to questions from employers

Below are some common questions employers may ask and a scenario that you may encounter. Be ready to answer them by preparing a list of responses beforehand.

  • I am really more interested in the people, the opportunity, and the job itself. I’m sure salary will not be a problem for us. Can we come back to this later?
  • I want to learn more about the job before we discuss salary expectations.
  • I would be happy to discuss a salary at a competitive rate for my skills, knowledge and education and track record.
  • Let’s see if there is a fit before we discuss salary.
  • My last position isn’t comparable as it was in such a different industry and was a summer internship. My expectations are in the range you are recruiting in.
  • My salary was in the appropriate range for the industry at my level of experience. You can also add: “What salary range did you have in mind for the position?”
  • If you are applying in BC, you have the right to say “Based on the BC Pay Transparency Act, I should not disclose my previous salary. I believe it will be more constructive if we focus on the range for this position.”
  • I was thinking closer to [expected salary amount]. How can we bring these numbers closer together?
  • I really feel that someone with my experience and background should be in the upper level of the range we have been discussing. What can we do to make this happen together?
  • Based on my [amount of industry experience, degree, etc.], and proven ability to [raise funds, build teams, etc.], I feel the base rate offered is low. Is there any flexibility here?

Once the offer is made

Before agreeing to an offer you should request to:

  • Learn the total compensation package and offer details, including the value of any benefits.
  • Have adequate time to review the offer, make your decision, and get back to them. 1 to 3 days is standard.

You don’t need to agree on the spot. It is important to review the offer first.

When considering the offer:

  • Identify negotiable and ambiguous items.
  • Evaluate your total package and decide if it aligns with your goals, expectations, etc.
  • Know and define your walk away points. You can say no.

Online salary surveys

Find out the salary range for your industry or position through these online resources.

Career resources

Career events and workshops

Whether you’re looking to improve your job applications or find resources to help you develop your career, UBC has events and workshops to support you.

If you need further guidance

For work in BC, you can review the resources and legal obligations employers must follow through Employment Standards. They also provide free and confidential consultation about your work situation. 

Contact the UBC Career Centre for any questions regarding career-related information.