Salary negotiation for IT professionals

In short: Prepare three numbers — wish, target and minimum — back them with two or three concrete results from your work, and state a researched range instead of a single figure. If the base salary hits a ceiling, negotiate the package (training budget, vacation days, home office, bonus, an earlier salary review), let silence work for you after naming your number, and get every promise in writing.

1. Preparation beats quick wit

Have three numbers ready: wish (the upper end of your research), target (realistic) and minimum (below which you walk away). Back them up with two or three concrete results from your work.

2. Let the other side name a range first — but be prepared

If they ask you first, don't name a single number, but your researched range with a rationale: "Based on the market and my experience, I see myself at €X–€Y."

3. Negotiate the package, not just the base salary

When the base salary hits a ceiling, there's often room on: training budget, additional vacation days, home-office days, bonus, equipment, an earlier salary review (e.g. after 6 months).

4. Silence is a tool

After stating your number: stay calm. The pause works for you. Don't justify yourself right away.

5. Get everything in writing

Verbal promises fade. Politely ask for the final breakdown in the offer/contract.

Mini-script

"I'm really pleased with the offer. Based on my experience with [result] and the current market, I see myself at €[target]. Can we reflect that in the base salary — or do we close the gap via [bonus/training/review]?"

At myrecruity, we go into the conversations with you — you never stand alone in the negotiation. Create your profile