How to negotiate your salary as a recent graduate

Know the numbers – and your value

It can be difficult to argue your own value in your first salary negotiation when you have only just left university. Fortunately, salary statistics and salary recommendations by your union are excellent tools to help you prepare.

The first step is to understand where you are applying for jobs. Is it in the Life Science industry (the private sector), in the regions, a municipality, the state, or at a pharmacy?

Salary levels vary depending on the sector. Our salary statistics provide a benchmark for what you can realistically expect to earn.

Who negotiates your salary?

It may sound strange, but you are not always the one negotiating your salary.

• If you are employed in the public sector, you are covered by a collective agreement. In that case, a union representative or your union negotiates your salary. The collective agreement also provides fixed terms and conditions and a minimum salary.

• If you are employed in the private sector (including community pharmacies), you negotiate your own salary. In the Life Science industry, there is typically no collective agreement. If you receive a job offer in this sector, it is especially important to understand how to negotiate your salary effectively.

If you are unsure what a collective agreement is, you can learn more here

Salary negotiations start during the job interview

It is very common for a prospective employer to ask about your salary expectations during the first or second interview.

Be aware that this marks the start of your salary negotiation, even if you have not yet been offered the job. Your answer helps position you in terms of your future salary.

If you mention a low figure – either because you panic or because you have not done your research – it will stick. Your potential employer will make a note of it, and it will likely influence the salary offer they present.

Before attending an interview, it is therefore important to familiarise yourself with salary levels and relevant benchmarks.

We have developed a salary calculator that can help you understand what salary you can expect in different positions. It is a useful tool before you negotiate your salary.

Ask about your employment terms

The next stage of the salary negotiation happens when you are offered the job. Typically, you will receive a phone call and begin discussing the specific salary package.

At this stage, it is important to understand exactly how your salary is structured and what terms apply. Salary is a complete package, and the headline figure does not necessarily tell the whole story.

• Is the salary inclusive or exclusive of pension contributions?

• Are you compensated in advance for overtime through a fixed salary arrangement?

• How much annual leave do you have?

Compensation for overtime can be particularly important if your role involves significant travel. If you are not paid for overtime and your contract does not account for travel activity. Frequent travel can significantly reduce the value of your overall compensation package.

It is important to understand your terms and conditions before signing an employment contract.

If you are unsure, it is a very good idea to ask our legal team to review your contract. They can guide you through everything you should be aware of in your new role.

Contact our legal team on +45 39 46 36 05 or jura@pharmadanmark.dk

Pension matters – especially for recent graduates

It may sound boring, but do not forget about your pension.

Pension is particularly important when you are at the beginning of your career. Not only is it a significant part of your total compensation package, but the contributions made early in your working life are the most valuable.

These contributions are invested for the longest period of time and benefit most from compounded growth. In other words, the pension contributions you make early in your career have the greatest long-term impact.

In some workplaces, pension contributions amount to as much as 20% of your salary. While you may not be able to negotiate the pension percentage itself, you can negotiate your overall salary package, which naturally affects your pension contributions.

There is nothing more disappointing than agreeing a salary and later discovering that pension was already included in the amount you discussed.

Many people are surprised when they receive their first payslip and realise there is not an additional 10% on top.

Remember, you are allowed to negotiate

As a recent graduate, salary negotiations can feel intimidating. Naturally, you want the job, and the salary may seem less important because it is already significantly higher than your student grant.

However, your first salary matters.

The salary you start on becomes the foundation for future salary increases. If you begin at too low a level, it can be difficult to catch up through annual salary reviews.

So while it is important to secure the job and avoid pricing yourself out of the opportunity, remember that you are absolutely allowed to negotiate.

Research the salary level that makes sense for the role and be realistic in your expectations. At the same time, do not feel pressured to accept the first offer you receive.

Research shows that an increase of just DKK 500–1,000 per month can make a substantial difference over the course of a career.