Want to bargain a good salary on interviews? Career coach warns against one answer: 'The winning answer is...'

Negotiating a stronger pay package is something almost every professional hopes to achieve while interviewing for a new role. However, many candidates weaken their position by giving generic explanations when recruiters question why they deserve a salary that is significantly higher than their existing earnings. Career mentor Simon Ingari recently highlighted this issue on X, encouraging job seekers to rethink the way they justify their compensation expectations.

According to Ingari, one of the most common mistakes applicants make is relying solely on the argument that the amount they seek reflects the prevailing market salary. While this explanation is widely used, it often fails to convince hiring managers because it does not demonstrate the candidate's individual value or explain why they personally deserve the higher figure.

Instead, he recommends presenting a structured and well-reasoned case built around three important considerations. The first should focus on professional expertise. Candidates should explain that the position demands specialised knowledge and abilities that they have already developed through previous assignments and practical experience. By highlighting proven accomplishments, technical competence and relevant achievements, they can show that they possess the qualifications needed to perform successfully from the very beginning.


The second point should be supported by industry salary benchmarks. Rather than making an arbitrary demand, applicants should mention that they have researched compensation trends for similar positions and found that their expected salary comfortably fits within the normal range for professionals with comparable responsibilities, experience and expertise. This demonstrates that the request is realistic and supported by market data.

Finally, candidates should connect fair compensation with long-term commitment. They can explain that receiving an appropriate salary allows them to focus on contributing to the organisation over an extended period instead of feeling compelled to search for better-paying opportunities shortly after joining. This presents the salary discussion as an investment in stability and employee retention rather than merely a financial demand.

Ingari also noted that employers may sometimes face genuine budget restrictions, making it impossible to satisfy every expectation. Even so, clearly communicating one's professional value and providing logical reasons for the requested compensation significantly improves the chances of securing a stronger offer or receiving an alternative package that fairly recognises the candidate's skills, experience and long-term potential.