Prepare Yourself for Salary Negotiations

Disclaimer – English translation

This English version is provided as a service to our English-speaking members. 

In the event of any discrepancies or doubt between the English translation and the original Danish text, the Danish version shall prevail.

It is always crucial to be well prepared when negotiating your salary, and you should be able to explain how you arrived at your proposal for a salary increase.

You should therefore always consider and research the following:

• What is the general salary level within your industry?
• How are your colleagues compare in terms of salary?
• How is the company performing financially?
• What arguments will you highlight in support of receiving a salary increase?
• Be clear about what you have contributed in terms of results, effort and social contribution.
• Compare your results and efforts with the company’s objectives. How have you contributed to the company’s positive results?
• Take an interest in the person with whom you will be negotiating.
• Think beyond salary, for example additional leave, a company car, IT equipment or other employee benefits, a home office setup, training, or new tasks and responsibilities.
• Consider obtaining input on local conditions from Finansforbundet’s consultants, your union representative, and Finansforbundet’s salary calculator.

Set an ambitious yet realistic goal and remember to use Finansforbundet’s salary calculator in your preparations. The salary calculator can help you determine what salary increase to request, as it gives you an accurate picture of your salary level compared with other employees who have a profile similar to yours.

Also prepare yourself to be persistent. A “no” is merely the beginning of a salary negotiation, so do not give up simply because you receive a negative response. Remember as well that your salary proposal should be higher than the amount you would actually be satisfied with. Furthermore, it is advantageous to be the first to present a salary proposal, as this allows the negotiation to be based on your wishes and expectations.

Be persistent and curious

A salary negotiation often starts with a "no". This mustn't stop you from getting the salary you deserve. Instead, be curious and ask a lot of questions about what you can do in the long run to meet your salary demands. By understanding your employer's values, you become more aware of any openings that may arise during the negotiation.  

For example, you can be persistent by asking about a new meeting and/or by giving your employer the option to consult with their supervisors or present a proposal. 

You can also ask about a new salary negotiation if current circumstances make it difficult to negotiate. Remember, all movement takes time.  

Salary negotiation in a new job

It's a good idea to consider any determining factors for the salary level when negotiating salary in a new job. Examine and consider the following:

• What is the salary level in your new industry? 
• Where is the company located? Salary levels in companies located in the capital and larger cities are typically slightly higher than in the rest of the country. 
• What relevant experiences are you bringing from previous jobs that speak in favour of a higher salary? Think broadly - it can be student jobs or internships. You may also have relevant skills and experiences from a completely different industry. 
• What are the other work conditions in the company regarding working hours, vacation, pension, etc.? Good work conditions are all part of the salary, so consider whether the other conditions affect the salary level positively or negatively. It's highly recommended to use Finansforbundets's Pay Package Calculator to calculate the total value of your current and new job. Additionally, you could use Finansforbundet's Salary Calculator to get an accurate picture of the salary level in the job you are applying for, taking into account your experience, educational level, etc.
• If the company will struggle recruiting employees with your profile, it affects your salary positively. 

Salary negotiation during the hiring process 

Your opportunities to influence your employer to give you a salary increase are better outside the negotiation room than inside. Therefore, it's a good idea to regularly make your boss aware of the results you achieve in your everyday work.

It's also a good idea to prepare your employer well in advance for your desires and expectations before the salary negotiation. For example, you can provide your boss with the materials or statistics that you want to base the negotiation on.

If your current job significantly changes, you should always consider the following to potentially earn more in salary:

• Does it involve greater responsibility?
• Is the job more demanding than your current job?
• Is it a more uncertain position within the company that should be reflected in the salary level?
• Which colleagues are now relevant to compare yourself to in terms of salary level?

Use Finansforbundet's Salary Calculator to see what you should demand in terms of a salary increase. The calculator provides you with an accurate picture of your salary level compared to other employees with a similar profile.

Salary negotiation and parental leave 

You have the same rights during your parental leave as your colleagues. This means, among other things, that you have the right to be informed about any salary negotiations taking place while you're on leave.

Parental leave should not be the reason that you get a lower salary or are denied access to salary negotiation.

Well in advance of your parental leave, it is advantageous to make an agreement with your employer about when and how you will discuss your salary. Remember that you can always request a salary negotiation, even if it is not explicitly stated in your collective agreement.