Your salary negotiation starts long before the meeting

For many people, salary negotiations are associated with uncertainty. What can you reasonably ask for, how do you say it out loud, and what actually happens once the door closes behind you?

According to Pharmadanmark’s Head of Legal, Casper Gad, it is completely normal to feel uncertain — even if you are professionally skilled and make a significant difference in your role.

Here are Casper’s three key tips for your salary negotiation.

1. Take the drama out of salary negotiations

The most important thing is to make the situation feel less dramatic and generally demystify salary negotiations as a one-time performance where you have everything to lose or win.

The negotiation is part of an ongoing relationship with your manager, and the conversation is both about future expectations and, to a large extent, about your results. That is why preparation throughout the year is essential.

2. Stand by your proposal

When entering a salary negotiation, be yourself. Create a positive atmosphere and speak professionally about your contribution.

It is not about bragging, but about putting your value to the company into words. Many people underestimate their own importance and lower their demands too quickly to avoid awkwardness or uncomfortable silence.

Especially if you tend to be accommodating and conflict-averse, it is important to stand by your proposal. Once you have stated a number, allow space for silence and maintain eye contact.

It is your manager’s responsibility to keep the conversation moving, so stay calm and confident. Silence strengthens your position and signals composure and confidence in your own value.

3. Speak with your manager regularly

Preparation for a successful salary negotiation begins long before the meeting itself.

Have ongoing conversations with your manager about responsibilities, tasks, and ambitions. This ensures that your salary expectations do not come as a surprise, and it strengthens your position when salary discussions begin because there are no major surprises regarding your role and results.