How to negotiate salary in a new job
Have you received a job offer? This guide gives you step-by-step help for salary negotiations in a new job – from preparation to signing the contract. Get expert tips on salary, holidays, pensions and other negotiation points.
Step 1: Prepare thoroughly
Get an overview of the salary level and assess the position.
Get insight from NITO's union representatives
You can obtain valuable information by contacting NITO's union representative in the company you are applying to.
"They often know the wage level and the local wage policy. It gives you a good starting point for negotiating," says Fredrik Skyberg of NITO-advokatene.
As a NITO member, you can search for union representatives on My page
What you need to think about
Think through these questions before negotiating salary in a new job:
- What tasks and responsibilities come with the position?
- What opportunities are there for skills development and salary development?
- What is the market salary for this position?
Step 2: Analyze the entire offer package
Consider salary, vacation, pension, and other benefits collectively.
Look at the entire contract – not just the salary
Salary is important, but not everything. There are often several points you can negotiate in the employment contract:
"Go through the entire agreement. There may be other benefits – such as holidays, flexitime or further education – that give you better conditions overall," says Skyberg.
Holidays and leisure time as bargaining chips
"If your employer doesn't want to increase your salary, you can negotiate more vacation or free time," says Skyberg.
Many employees value extra days off more than higher wages. Maybe you can get an extra week of holiday – or salary equivalent to a week of holiday.
Pension is also salary
Don't forget about the retirement terms when considering a job offer. Pension savings are an important part of your total compensation.
"Employers in the private sector must save at least two percent of your salary in retirement, but many save more. If you go from an employer with high pension savings to one with lower ones, you should ask for compensation in the form of a higher salary," says Skyberg.
Step 3: Plan the negotiation
Assess your position and set realistic goals.
Dare to ask for more than the first offer
Once you have been offered a new job, you are in a strong position to negotiate salary. The employer has chosen you over other candidates – and wants you to accept.
"It will rarely hurt to ask for a higher salary than the first offer from the employer," says the NITO lawyer.
He emphasizes that you should consider how strongly the employer wants to hire you, but that there is often little to lose by trying.
"In many cases, the employer expects you to negotiate. We recommend that you put yourself 5-10 percent above the minimum you can accept," he says.
This only applies if you know the salary level with the new employer.
"If you don't know the salary level, it's best to let the employer make the first offer," says Skyberg.
Step 4: Negotiate strategically
Focus on the most important points and know your rights.
Important: Check what is included in the salary
Some employers include overtime in their fixed salary. It is not necessarily legal. According to the Working Environment Act, employees are entitled to overtime pay – unless they are exempt through so-called "special independent position".
Learn more about particularly independent position and the consequences of having it
Step 5: Secure and document the agreement
Get everything in writing and check the contract carefully.
Get all promises in writing
Have you received verbal promises about pay or other working conditions? Make sure to get it into the contract.
– If not, send a confirmatory email to secure documentation. It gives you stronger legal protection if a disagreement arises later," Skyberg recommends.
Important to include in the employment contract:
- Clear rules for overtime pay
- Job description and responsibilities
- Salary and any supplements
- Right to competence development
Checklist: How to negotiate salary in a new job
- Check the salary level – Talk to NITO's union representatives and check NITO's salary calculator.
- Expect to negotiate – The initial offer is often not final.
- Look at the entire contract – Look for other bargaining points than just salary.
- Consider vacation and leisure time – Extra days off can be worth more than higher pay.
- Check the pension scheme – Lower pensions should be compensated in salary.
- Get everything in writing – Verbal agreements should be confirmed by email or into the contract.