Salary Negotiation Scripts: What to Say Word for Word

Salary Negotiation Scripts: What to Say Word for Word

Negotiating pay can feel awkward, but with the right salary negotiation scripts and preparation you can ask confidently and get better outcomes. This guide gives Australian job seekers clear, word‑for‑word phrases for every stage — from the moment you receive an offer to asking for more during performance reviews — plus practical tips on how to negotiate salary using local market data like Australian salary 2026 trends.

Before you negotiate: research and mindset

Before using any script, do two things: research and rehearse. Look up roles on Seek, LinkedIn, Hays and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to form a realistic range. For Australian salary 2026, account for inflation, skill shortages and sector shifts — many industries are still paying premiums for digital, health and trade skills. Come ready with a target salary, a walk‑away point and a clear case for your value.

• Know the market: find a realistic range (low, target, aspirational).
• Decide on total package (base, super, bonuses, allowances, flexible hours).
• Practice your scripts out loud so they sound natural.

Script 1 — Responding to a job offer (email)

Use this when you receive an offer and want to negotiate the base salary by email.

Straightforward counter (email)

Thank you for the offer — I’m excited about the role and the team. Based on my research and the responsibilities you’ve outlined, I was expecting a salary in the range of $X–$Y. Would you consider $Z as a base salary (or an increase to $Z)? I’m open to discussing how we can make the total package work for both sides.

Replace $X–$Y with your researched range, and $Z with a specific figure near the top of that range. Keep it polite and collaborative.

Script 2 — Asking for more in a phone or video call

When the conversation is live, use this short, confident approach.

Phone/video script

Thanks so much for the offer — I’m really keen to join. Based on my experience and what I’ll be delivering in this role, would you be able to move the base to $Z? If that’s difficult, I’d be open to discussing a higher superannuation contribution, an earlier salary review or additional flexible leave.

Script 3 — If the employer asks your expectations early (interview)

When asked “What are your salary expectations?”, deflect politely then provide a researched range.

Interview script

I’d like to understand the full responsibilities first so I can give a precise figure. Based on similar roles in the market I’m targeting a range of $X–$Y, depending on the total package and opportunities for progression. Is that in line with your budget for the role?

Script 4 — When they give a lower offer

If the offer is below expectations, stay calm and explore alternatives.

Lower offer response

Thanks — I appreciate the offer. The base you’ve proposed is below what I’m looking for given my background and what I’ll be delivering. Is there flexibility to move closer to $Z? If not, could we look at a 6‑month review with a performance‑based uplift or an added sign‑on bonus to bridge the gap?

Script 5 — Requesting time to consider an offer

If you need a few days to review the offer or gather competing offers, be clear about timing.

Ask for time

Thank you for the offer — I’m very interested. I’d like to review it properly. Would it be possible to have until [date in 2–3 business days] to come back with a response? I want to make sure I consider the whole package carefully.

Script 6 — Negotiating benefits and flexible arrangements

Money isn’t always the only lever. If base salary isn’t negotiable, negotiate other items that matter to you.

Benefits and flexibility

I understand the base is fixed. Would you be open to one or more of the following: additional week of leave, hybrid working two days a week, a relocation allowance, or a performance review at six months? Any of those adjustments would make the position more viable for me.

Script 7 — During a performance review (asking for a raise)

Frame the conversation around outcomes and future value.

Raise request

Over the last 12 months I’ve [list two measurable achievements]. Based on that impact and current market levels for this role, I’d like to discuss moving my salary to $Z. I’m committed to continuing this trajectory and can outline clear milestones for a next review.

Script 8 — If they ask for salary history

In Australia it’s increasingly common to avoid sharing past salaries — focus on expectations and value instead.

Salary history response

I prefer to focus on the market rate for the role and the value I’ll bring. Based on my research, my expectation is $X–$Y rather than past numbers. Does that align with your budget?

Tactics that work with any script

Pair your words with these techniques:

• Use a range: Give a researched range rather than a single number to allow room for negotiation.
• Anchor high: Start near the top of your realistic range so the final number lands comfortably at your target.
• Silence is powerful: After making your ask, pause and let the employer respond.
• Total package thinking: Include super, bonuses, leave, training and remote work when comparing offers.
• Be collaborative: Frame asks as a mutual problem‑solving exercise — you want to join and be set up to succeed.

Quick checklist before you send a script

• Confirm your researched range (use “Australian salary 2026” resources and industry guides).
• Decide your walk‑away point and preferred compromises (e.g. earlier review, sign‑on bonus).
• Write your script and practise out loud until it sounds natural.
• Be ready to explain your value with two or three measurable examples.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Accepting the first offer immediately without considering room to negotiate.
• Quoting a number unanchored from market research.
• Talking salary too early in the process without understanding the role.
• Burning rapport with ultimatums — favour collaboration over confrontation.

Final notes for Australian job seekers

Good salary negotiation is a skill — the more you practise these salary negotiation scripts, the more natural they’ll feel. Keep your research local and current; referencing Australian salary 2026 benchmarks helps you stay credible. Whether you’re doing job offer negotiation for a first role or negotiating a pay rise, these word‑for‑word lines will help you ask clearly and confidently.

Use the scripts as templates, adapt the tone to your style, and always enter negotiations with a clear idea of your value. Best of luck — ask for what you deserve.