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💰 Salary Negotiation Playbook

Step-by-step scripts and strategies to negotiate your salary with confidence. Built for the Irish market.

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The 5-Step Negotiation Framework

1

📊 Research Your Market Value

Before the conversation even starts

Never walk into a negotiation without knowing your market value. In Ireland, salary data is less transparent than the US, so you need to be proactive about research.

Where to Find Irish Salary Data

Use our Salary Intelligence tool for role-specific Irish data. Also check Morgan McKinley's salary guide, Robert Walters' salary survey, LinkedIn Salary Insights, and Glassdoor (filter to Ireland specifically).

Your Negotiation Range

Set three numbers: your walk-away minimum (the lowest you'd accept), your target (what you'd be genuinely happy with), and your aspirational ask (15-20% above target). Always negotiate towards your aspirational number.

Irish context: Salary ranges in Ireland are tighter than the US. A 10-15% counter is generally well-received. 20%+ may be seen as unrealistic unless you have strong leverage.
2

⏸️ When They Ask Your Expectations

The salary question during interviews

If asked early in the process, your goal is to defer without being evasive. You want them to make the first offer.

Script: Deflecting Early
"I'd prefer to learn more about the role and what success looks like before discussing compensation. I'm confident we'll find something that works for both sides. Could you share the budgeted range for this position?"
Script: If Pressed for a Number
"Based on my research of the Dublin market for this level of role, and my [X] years of experience, I'd expect something in the range of €[target] to €[aspirational]. But I'm genuinely more interested in the overall opportunity and total package."
Never: Give a single number. Always give a range, and make your target the bottom of that range.
3

📨 Receiving the Offer

What to say (and not say) when they make an offer

When you receive the offer, your immediate reaction matters. Never accept on the spot, even if it's perfect. And never show disappointment, even if it's low.

Script: Receiving the Offer
"Thank you so much — I'm really excited about this opportunity and appreciate the offer. I'd like to take a couple of days to review the full package carefully. Could you send me the details in writing? I'll come back to you by [day]."

What to Review

Don't just look at base salary. Evaluate the total package:

💰Base SalaryCore
🎯Bonus / OTE5-20%
📈Equity / RSUsVaries
🏥Health Insurance€1-3K
💼Pension Contribution3-10%
🏖️Annual Leave20-30 days
🏠Remote/HybridFlexibility
📚L&D Budget€1-5K
Irish tip: Health insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life) and pension matching are major benefits in Ireland. A 10% employer pension contribution is worth €6-10K+ per year on top of salary.
4

🎯 Making Your Counter-Offer

The most important conversation

Your counter should be specific, justified, and collaborative — not combative. Irish employers respond well to a research-backed, professional approach.

Script: Counter-Offer (Email)
Hi [Name], Thank you again for the offer — I'm very excited about joining [Company] and contributing to [specific project/goal]. After careful consideration of the role's scope, my experience, and current market data for [Role] in Dublin, I'd like to propose a base salary of €[counter]. This reflects the value I'll bring from day one, including [specific achievement] and my [X] years of directly relevant experience. I've based this on research from multiple Irish salary surveys, and I'm confident it represents fair market value for the impact I'll deliver. I'm very open to discussing this and finding an arrangement that works for both of us. Would you be available for a quick call this week? Best regards, [Name]
Script: Counter-Offer (Verbal)
"I'm really excited about this role and I can see myself making a strong impact. Based on my research of the market and the scope of what we've discussed, I was hoping we could get closer to €[counter]. I believe that reflects the value I'll bring, especially given my experience with [specific skill/achievement]. Is there flexibility to work towards that?"

If They Say "That's Our Final Offer"

Script: Negotiating Beyond Salary
"I understand the salary band has limits. Could we explore other areas? For example: a signing bonus to bridge the gap, an early performance review at 6 months with a defined salary adjustment, additional annual leave, or a larger L&D budget? I'm flexible on the structure."
Never: Use a competing offer as a threat. Instead: "I do have another opportunity at €[X], and while I'd prefer to join your team, I want to make sure the package reflects my market value."
5

✅ Accepting (or Declining) Gracefully

Closing the deal professionally
Script: Accepting
"I'm delighted to accept — thank you for working with me on this. I'm genuinely excited to get started and contribute to [specific goal]. Could you send over the updated contract at your convenience? I'm looking forward to joining the team on [date]."
Script: Declining Respectfully
"Thank you so much for the offer and for the time you've invested in this process. After careful consideration, I've decided to pursue a different direction. I have huge respect for [Company] and hope our paths cross again in the future. Wishing you and the team all the best."
Irish tip: Always decline gracefully. Ireland's professional community is remarkably interconnected — the hiring manager you decline today could be your client, partner, or manager in 5 years.