Tips to Master Salary Negotiations: When, How & What to Know

Salary Negotiations are a Critical Skill

Whether you’re stepping into a new job or getting promoted, negotiating your salary is a pivotal moment. It’s about ensuring you’re valued fairly—and retaining confidence when discussing compensation is easier said than done. Many shy away from it out of fear. But properly negotiated pay can define your career path, not merely your job title.

Know Your Worth in the Job Market

Before you ever apply or accept a promotion, it’s vital to research what comparable roles are paying:

• Explore salary listings on job boards (many now display pay ranges) and consult resources like Indeed’s Canadian guide. Indeed Canada
• You can also use region-specific guides, employer surveys, or local compensation reports to validate what your role should command.
• Keep in mind that salary is shaped by multiple variables, not just the title:
  • Location and cost of living
  • Years and relevance of experience
  • Education, certifications, or special credentials
  • Industry or sector demand
  • Scope, responsibilities, and team complexity

With a clear benchmark, your negotiation is grounded in objective data—not guesswork.

When to Negotiate a Salary Increase or Offer

Salary negotiation isn’t just for new jobs. Here are optimal moments:

• During the offer stage: This is often when hiring managers have the greatest flexibility to adjust compensation.
• Midway through the interview process: If you don’t know the company’s compensation approach, raising the topic tactfully can ensure alignment.
• At performance reviews or annual cycles: Use documented achievements and metrics to strengthen your case.
• After a big win or project: If you’ve driven impactful results, that’s leverage to ask for a raise.
• Upon promotion: New roles merit new compensation.
• If market research shows you’re underpaid: Compare salaries within your region and industry; if you’re lagging, it’s reasonable to bring it up.

According to a 2025 report from ProcurementTactics, 70% of hiring managers expect candidates to negotiate salary or total compensation, showing that employers now see negotiation as a normal part of the hiring process. Similarly, a ResumeGenius survey found that 78% of candidates who negotiated received a better offer, proving that preparation and confidence pay off.

How to Negotiate a Salary Increase

1. Prepare and research
   Gather evidence—quantifiable results, awards, performance reviews, and salary benchmarks. Preparation builds credibility.
2. Schedule a private meeting
   Choose the right setting—one-on-one, uninterrupted, and scheduled in advance.
3. State your case clearly
   Example: “Based on my results and comparable roles in our market, I believe a salary in the range of $X–$Y fairly reflects my contributions.”
4. Be flexible
   If budget constraints prevent an increase, explore alternatives such as bonuses, vacation, RRSP matching, or hybrid flexibility.
5. Stay calm and professional
   Negotiation is a conversation, not a confrontation. Listen to your manager’s perspective, and express appreciation even if the outcome isn’t immediate.
6. Document the result
   If your employer agrees, confirm details in writing. If not, ask what milestones could lead to a future raise.

Salary negotiation is normal and increasingly successful. Pew Research (2023) found that while most workers don’t ask for higher pay, about two-thirds who do negotiate receive more than the initial offer or exactly what they asked.

Recruiter Tip

If your salary expectations are higher than what’s listed in the job posting or mentioned during your initial discussion, bring it up early — ideally during your first screening call with the recruiter. Being upfront about compensation expectations helps everyone assess fit right away and keeps the process transparent and respectful.

Waiting until the final stages to reveal a higher number can damage the trust you’ve built and may remove you from consideration. Instead, share your expectations honestly at the start and explain the rationale — whether it’s based on market data, experience, or recent certifications. Recruiters value clarity and preparation; it shows professionalism and confidence, not entitlement.

What Else You Can Negotiate

Compensation isn’t just about salary. You can also negotiate:

• Bonuses or profit-sharing tied to performance metrics
• Equity or stock options in startups or growth firms
• Expanded benefits, such as extended health, dental, or higher RRSP contributions
• Professional development (courses, conferences, or industry or professional certifications)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Vacation time or extra personal days
• Title adjustments or responsibility changes
• Sign-on or retention bonuses

A 2025 WorldatWork survey shows Canadian and U.S. organizations are budgeting 3.7–3.9% average pay increases for 2025—slightly down from 2024—making negotiation around total rewards even more important.

Negotiating in Today’s Market

The labour market is tightening in some industries. Job seekers are facing increased competition, and employers are under cost pressures. Flexibility, data, and emotional intelligence are your strongest negotiation tools.

Recent data shows that salary negotiation is not only expected but often rewarded. A 2025 report from ProcurementTactics found that seven in ten hiring managers expect candidates to negotiate salary or total compensation — a sign that employers increasingly view negotiation as a normal, professional step in the hiring process. Likewise, a ResumeGenius survey revealed that 78% of job seekers who negotiated received a higher offer, reinforcing that preparation and confidence can directly impact your earning potential.

About Agilus Work Solutions

For nearly 50 years, Agilus has served our candidate and employer networks, connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities. Every year, we place over 10,000 job seekers in roles in Engineering, Technology, Professional, Health Sciences and Light Industrial/Operational Staffing roles. Check out our open jobs, create a job alert or build a profile so our recruitment professionals can find you quickly when a role becomes available. Please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X for job seeking tips, resume hacks and career advice.