A pay negotiation needs more than one number. Prepare reasons you can explain and clarify the components of the offer. These three steps are a conversation aid, not a guarantee of higher pay.
1. Put comparison figures in context
Salarium from the Federal Statistical Office provides a statistical salary estimate and range for a selected profile. The results are not a pay recommendation and do not determine your individual worth.
Check whether the role, industry, region, workload and other inputs fit the job. Do not compare a monthly figure with an annual offer without clarifying payment arrangements and pay components. Record the assumptions behind your comparison.
2. Demonstrate relevance to the job
Choose two or three genuine experiences relevant to the duties. Describe what you did and the responsibility you held. Do not invent metrics or treat a comparison as a promise.
Fictional example: For a coordinating role, explain scheduling work you actually performed. “I coordinated the weekly rota for a team” is more concrete than “I am worth more than others”. Use it only if it is true for you.
3. Clarify the complete offer
Ask about fixed pay, variable components, a 13th-month salary, workload and other agreed terms. Prepare a reasoned expectation and questions. Whether you state a figure first or ask about the planned range depends on the conversation; there is no universal order.
One possible wording: “Based on the duties described and my experience, I would like to discuss an annual salary of … . Which components does your offer include?” Insert only a figure you have checked yourself.
Your next step
Write down comparison assumptions, two examples of experience and three open questions. Check any subsequent written offer against the package discussed. A statistical estimate or a conversation does not replace an agreement.
