Receiving a job offer is an exciting moment—filled with possibilities, promise, and of course, decisions. But once you’ve received that phone call and the offer is on the table, it’s perfectly normal to want to negotiate the salary before giving a final answer. In 2025, negotiating over the phone remains one of the fastest and most effective ways to reach an agreement that reflects your worth. Mastering the art of salary negotiation can mean thousands more on your paycheck, better benefits, and a stronger sense of confidence as you step into your new role.
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just stepping into your new career, here’s how to approach a salary negotiation phone call like a pro.
Table of Contents
1. Do Your Homework Before the Call
Entering a salary discussion without preparation is like walking into an exam without studying. Before you pick up the phone, take time to research your market value:
- Use salary comparison tools like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Payscale to get an accurate range for your role and location in 2025.
- Factor in inflation and remote work trends. Remote roles may have different pay scales depending on your region, skill set, and company flexibility.
- Review the full compensation package, including bonuses, stock options, and benefits.
2. Set the Tone Early in the Conversation
When the employer presents the offer, express appreciation first. Be polite, enthusiastic, and professional. You want the conversation to be collaborative, not confrontational.
Say something like: “Thank you so much for the offer! I’m really excited about the opportunity and thrilled at the prospect of joining your team.”
Then smoothly transition into salary discussion: “I’ve reviewed the offer and would love to discuss the compensation package a bit more to better align it with my skills and market value.”
3. Be Clear—But Tactful—About Your Expectations
This is where your earlier research becomes critical. Clearly state your desired salary or range while remaining open to discussion. Avoid vague language like “I was hoping for more” and instead cite data-informed specifics.
Example: “Based on my research and the responsibilities outlined for the role, I believe a salary closer to $95,000 would better reflect the current market and my level of experience.”
Be ready to back up your argument with achievements, education, certifications, or specialized skills.
4. Watch for Verbal Cues
In a phone negotiation, you lose access to body language—but tone, pace, and pauses can reveal a lot. Pay attention to how they respond to your ask. Are they surprised? Hesitant? Open-minded?
If there’s a pause or they say something like “That’s a bit higher than we budgeted,” resist the urge to fill the silence. Let them speak first; it might work in your favor.
5. Don’t Only Focus on Base Salary
Sometimes companies can’t stretch the base salary much, but they can often offer more in other areas. This might include:
- Signing bonuses
- Extra vacation days
- Remote work flexibility or home office stipends
- Professional development budgets
Stay flexible and open to creative solutions. It’s not just about the money—it’s about the total value of your work-life balance and growth opportunities.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
Before the call, consider rehearsing your conversation with a friend or mentor. Hearing yourself say the numbers aloud will boost your confidence. You’ll also become more comfortable steering the conversation and handling any objections.
Additionally, record yourself practicing. That way, you can review your tone, clarity, and pacing to ensure you come off as confident, not confrontational.
7. Know When to Say Yes—or Walk Away
If the offer is adjusted to meet your expectations—great! If not, take time to consider whether the role is still the right fit. Sometimes the perfect job is worth taking even with a slightly lower salary, especially if it promises fast-track growth or aligns with your long-term goals.
On the other hand, if the gap is too wide, it’s okay to respectfully decline. Remember: negotiating is a two-way street, and you deserve to feel valued from day one.
Final Thoughts
Salary negotiation over the phone in 2025 isn’t just about money—it’s a reflection of how you advocate for yourself. With the right preparation and communication style, your next job offer could be just the opportunity and salary you’ve been looking for. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth—you might just get it!
