Take time to decide
When the offer comes, thank them and ask for at least 24 hours to decide. That's the advice of CareerOneStop, from the US Department of Labor. Do it even if you plan to say yes.
If you have more than one offer, be honest. New Zealand's careers service suggests telling employers you need time to think.
Look at the whole package, not just the pay: benefits, training and the chance to move up.
Before you negotiate
- Decide the minimum pay you'll accept.
- Find out what similar jobs pay where you are.
- List the value you'd bring: your skills, experience and results.
Base your request on that value. Don't use your need for the job, or for more money, as the reason.
How to ask
Keep it positive and professional. New Zealand's careers service suggests a simple line:
“I'm wondering if there is any flexibility on pay?”
In many cases, the first offer has room. In some sectors, pay is fixed, but you can always ask if there's flexibility in the offer.
For word-for-word lines, see our salary scripts for each question.
Get it in writing
If you accept, ask for the offer in writing. Don't resign from your current job until you have a written offer or a signed agreement.
- UK: on your first day, your employer must give you a written statement of your main terms. The rest must follow within 2 months.
- Australia: a contract can't remove or give less than your minimum entitlements.
Pay rules that can help you
In the European Union, the Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants a right to know the starting pay or its range. That can come in the job ad, before the interview, or otherwise.
It also says employers must not ask about your pay history. Countries had until 7 June 2026 to make it law, so check the rules where you live.
A negotiation, step by step
Here is a made-up negotiation, from the offer call to the written offer.
Made-up example
Leah, offered a junior analyst job
On the call
Her research
Her ask
If pay is fixed
Once agreed
Leah takes time, sets her minimum, bases her ask on value, and gets the result in writing.
Questions
Is it OK to negotiate a first job offer?
Yes. CareerOneStop says that even where pay is fixed, you can always ask if there is flexibility in an offer.
How long can I take to decide?
Ask for at least 24 hours. If you need longer, say why and agree a date.
Do I have to tell them my current salary?
In the EU, the Pay Transparency Directive says employers must not ask about your pay history. Check your country's law. Elsewhere, you can politely focus on what this role is worth.
Sources
Written by Seal the Offer from these pages, last checked on . Rules change, so check the employer's own page and the job ad before you apply.
- Negotiate Your Salary · CareerOneStop, US Department of Labor
- Job offers and employment agreements · Tahatū, Tertiary Education Commission (NZ)
- Employment contracts: Written statement of employment particulars · GOV.UK
- About employment contracts · Fair Work Ombudsman (Australia)
- Directive (EU) 2023/970 on pay transparency (Official Journal) · Publications Office of the European Union