8 tips on how to earn more

It is unavoidable: if you are going to make a job application, then at some point in time you will have to negotiate in relation to your salary. This is not the easiest subject, but it is one of the most important ones! Even if you have a job, at some given point in time you are going to want to broach this difficult subject. We would like to help you in this and give you a few useful tips!

Realise what you are worth

Before you start to negotiate your salary, you must realise what you want to attain. It is best for you to check what the salary is that you can demand for the position for which you are applying. Make a list of what you want: the gross salary, meal vouchers, company car, ... Also work out for yourself how much you are willing to concede and what you want in its place if, for example, you are not able to secure one of the non-statutory benefits. Career development opportunities within the company also represent added value.

Why should you earn more?

Think about what you have to offer the company. Set out your qualities, that may be important during the negotiations. Sound arguments will be much more effective than a frank discussion. Do you negotiate about your salary for a new job? To do so you must make sure that your work experience in an equivalent job has been sufficiently rewarded.

Don't be frightened off

There are nicer subjects to talk about, but don't allow yourself to be deterred. In particular, don't be frightened off and start the conversation calmly. You know what you want, now you just need to find out what the other party thinks about this. Also consider that this is the time to be honest about what you want to earn. Where this is the case the following applies: if you don't ask, you don't get. If you have prepared properly, you really don't have anything to be frightened about.

Don't give up immediately

If your (future) manager does not agree to the salary that you propose, then don't give up immediately. You want to earn a particular salary and have a list of arguments to support this. Where applicable, repeat your arguments, they are at least as important as the arguments that the other party is using to offer you a lower salary. Is there a silence? Don't needlessly keep talking and also give the other person the time to reflect.

Don't negotiate when there's no need to

In many companies there are fixed scales for salaries and you will not therefore be able to negotiate. A salary will be proposed and then it is up to you to decide whether you accept it or not. If the company makes it clear to you that the salary is fixed, then do not try to pointlessly negotiate. Furthermore, if you have recently asked for a salary increase, it is better not to start the process again too quickly. You may broach the subject once or twice a year but do not push your luck.

Sleep on it

During salary negotiations a decision does not have to be made immediately. Even though your (future) manager will probably want to know immediately whether you agree, ask for time to reflect if you are not convinced. This is better than subsequently being dissatisfied about your salary.

Practice at home

Your first salary talks might not run smoothly, but practice makes perfect. So you can always practice at home. Ask your partner, a family member or a friend to help you. He/she plays the manager and, of course, you ask him/her not to agree immediately, so that you can put your negotiating tips into practice! In this way you can learn how to put the tips into practice and your actual talks will also run more smoothly.

Also think about the future

It is not only the starting salary that is important when making an application. Also ask about the agreements within the company in relation to salary. Before you agree to your salary it is important to know how often the salary can be reviewed, whether this takes place automatically, etc.


In the mean time we wish you every success and hope that your salary talks prove to be a success story!