Salary Negotiation English: Phrases for IT Professionals
5 exercises — asking about compensation ranges, countering offers, discussing total comp, expressing enthusiasm while negotiating, and accepting/declining gracefully.
0 / 5 completed
1 / 5
You have just had your final interview and the recruiter asks what salary you are looking for. Which phrase BEST asks about their budget range first?
Asking about the compensation range first is a strong negotiation tactic — it avoids anchoring too low. The phrase 'Before I share a number, I'd love to understand the budgeted range' is polite and professional. Many recruiters will share the range when asked directly. If they push back, you can then give a range rather than a single number.
2 / 5
The recruiter offers you £90,000. You were hoping for £105,000 based on your research. Which counter-offer phrase is MOST professional?
Professional counter-offer language: Always open with appreciation ('Thank you', 'I'm genuinely excited'). Anchor your counter with a reason ('based on my research', 'scope of this position'). Use softening phrases ('I was targeting', 'is there flexibility') rather than demands. Option B follows this pattern precisely.
3 / 5
You want to discuss total compensation including equity, bonus, and learning budget. Which phrase BEST opens that conversation?
Total compensation language: Asking about 'total compensation' or 'the full package' is standard professional phrasing. Option B names the specific components you want to understand (equity, bonus, L&D budget) — this shows you know what to ask for and helps the recruiter give you a complete picture, not just a base salary number.
4 / 5
You want to express enthusiasm for the role while still negotiating. Which phrase BEST balances both?
Enthusiasm + negotiation balance: The phrase 'this role is genuinely my first choice' is a strong signal of intent. 'I want to make this work' signals collaboration rather than confrontation. 'With that said' pivots to the negotiation. 'So I can join with full commitment' frames the higher salary as benefiting both parties — a win-win framing.
5 / 5
After negotiation, the company's final offer is £98,000. You decide to accept. Which acceptance phrase is MOST professional?
Accepting an offer professionally: Thank the recruiter for the process, confirm the accepted number clearly, request the written offer (standard practice — always get it in writing), and close warmly. Option B does all of this. This leaves a positive impression as you enter the onboarding process.