Salary Negotiation Tip: Stop Focusing on the Base Salary Alone
I was chatting with a friend recently who was negotiating a new role. He was completely focused on pushing for a higher basic salary.
When I asked, “What else are they offering?” — he went quiet.
The truth is: salary is only one part of a much bigger conversation. Yet many professionals forget this during negotiations.
Here are some things to consider beyond the base salary:
✅ Bonus structure and on-target earnings
✅ Hybrid or flexible working options
✅ Holiday entitlement
✅ Pension contributions
✅ Private healthcare or wellbeing benefits
✅ Additional perks (cycle-to-work, share options, L&D budgets)
If you only negotiate the salary, you risk leaving real value on the table.
Next time you’re asked about “salary expectations”, think package, not just pay.
It’ll take the pressure off and give you a stronger negotiating position.