Salary Negotiation Phrases — IT Phrasebook

Negotiation English, in plain terms

Lead with specific, quantifiable outcomes — "I shipped X, which reduced Y by Z%" beats "I work hard".
State a concrete number once you're ready — vague asks ("something higher") invite vague answers.
"Help me understand…" is a strong, non-confrontational way to push back on an unclear answer.
It's normal — and expected — to ask for time before accepting: "I need a couple of days to review this."

Opening the Conversation

I'd like to schedule some time to talk about my compensation.

Neutral, professional way to request the conversation
Based on my contributions this year, I'd like to discuss a salary adjustment.

Anchors the ask to concrete performance
I've taken on more responsibility since my last review, and I'd like to talk about levelling that up.

For a scope/title change alongside pay
I want to make sure my compensation reflects my current market value.

Frames the ask around market data, not just personal need
Is now a good time, or should we find a slot next week?

Respects the other person's schedule while still initiating

Over the past [period], I've delivered [specific project/impact].

Lead with concrete, quantifiable outcomes
I took ownership of [X], which resulted in [measurable outcome].

Ownership + measurable result is the strongest combination
According to [Levels.fyi / Glassdoor / market data], this role typically pays [range].

Grounds the ask in external data, not just opinion
I've also been mentoring [junior devs / interns], which is outside my original scope.

Surfaces unrecognised, uncompensated work
I want to be direct: based on my impact and the market, I'm asking for [X].

Stating a specific number signals confidence and saves back-and-forth

I understand budget is tight — can you help me understand what would need to be true to get there?

Turns "no" into a concrete path forward
Is there flexibility in other areas — signing bonus, extra PTO, remote days, title?

Standard reframe when base salary is fixed
Could we revisit this in [3/6] months with a clear set of goals tied to the increase?

Converts a stalled negotiation into a scheduled follow-up
I appreciate you being upfront about the constraints — let's figure out what's possible.

Keeps the tone collaborative, not adversarial
That's lower than I was expecting given [reason] — can you help me understand the gap?

Pushes back without being confrontational

I've received an offer from another company, and I wanted to be transparent with you before making a decision.

Signals good faith rather than an ultimatum
I'd genuinely prefer to stay — is there room to match or get closer to this offer?

States preference clearly while still asking directly
The offer is [X] — I'm not asking you to match it exactly, but I'd like us to close the gap.

Anchors expectations without demanding an exact match
What would it take for this to be a clear "stay" decision for me?

Puts the question back to the employer constructively

Thank you for hearing me out — when can I expect a decision?

Sets a clear expectation for next steps
Could we get the details in writing once we've agreed?

Standard, reasonable request — not a sign of distrust
I appreciate the offer — I'm happy to accept at [X].

Clean acceptance once terms are agreed
I need a couple of days to review this properly before I respond.

Perfectly normal — you don't need to decide on the spot
Thanks for the conversation regardless of the outcome — I wanted to be upfront about where I stand.

Keeps the relationship intact if the answer is no