How to Get the Highest Salary Possible? (Strategies + Tips)

Most job seekers want the best salary possible, but only a few know how to navigate the conversation. 

Many don't feel comfortable discussing their financial needs with prospective or current employers.

The good news is that anyone can significantly increase their earning potential with the right approach and strategy.

In this article, we'll share effective strategies to help you get the maximum salary possible and enjoy financial security. 

We'll also cover practical tips you can follow during the salary discussion.

How to Get the Maximum Possible Salary?

If you want to earn more money and get the maximum salary, you need to put in the effort. 

You must position yourself as someone who delivers real value to the company and is ready to move up. Below are several ways you can do exactly that:

1. Gain Experience

Experience is one of the strongest assets you can bring to the table. Companies value employees who have seen and solved real-world problems.

In general, the more experience you have, the more money you can earn. It's that simple.

The job market rewards candidates with experience because it shows they've built different skills.

So, if you're looking for a new job, you must highlight your previous work experience. Doing so puts you in a better position to get the maximum possible salary.

2. Develop In-Demand Skills

In addition to experience, building valuable skills can help increase your market value.

If you are clueless about these in-demand skills, you should pay close attention to trends in your industry.

Better yet, read the job description for the positions you want to apply for. Doing so will give you an idea of which abilities to develop further.

For example, if you want to start a career in tech without experience, you must build foundational skills in coding or programming.

But if you're interested in specializing in tech sales roles, you should learn different sales methodologies and hone your communication skills.

Employers are willing to pay more money if you have specialized skills because you can add value to the company.

3. Create a Strong Personal Brand

Building a strong brand is another way of securing a higher salary.

Your personal brand is how you present yourself to employers, both inside and outside your company. It includes your expertise, achievements, and how you communicate your value.

Start by improving your LinkedIn profile to stand out in the crowded job market. Upload a professional photo, craft an impactful summary, and list your professional achievements.

You should also connect with peers on LinkedIn. Share and write articles about your niche to establish yourself as a thought leader.

You can even create a portfolio that reflects your brand. For example, if you're a web developer, you can share web projects you've worked on in your previous role. 

If you're an experienced solutions consultant, you can include product demos you've successfully presented to clients.

4. Obtain Relevant Certifications

Certifications are a powerful tool for boosting your salary, especially in industries where specific credentials are highly valued.

Many employers are willing to pay better salaries to candidates who have earned certifications that show mastery of a particular skill or knowledge area.

For example, sales certifications like the Certified Sales Engineer (CSE) demonstrate that you have relevant working experience and education. 

It can accelerate your sales engineering career growth and increase your market value.

5. Pursue Advanced Degree

In some fields, obtaining an advanced degree is one of the most effective ways to earn more money. 

Whether it's an MBA, a master's in a specialized area, or even a doctorate, higher education often leads to more senior roles with higher salaries.

Although pursuing an advanced degree can be costly for many people, many companies offer tuition assistance or reimbursement.

If you're considering staying at your current job, ask if the company provides financial support for continuing education.

Having an advanced degree can pay off in the long run by making you a more competitive job market.

6. Highlight Your Value on Resume and Interviews

Finally, knowing how to present your value is the key to securing the highest salary possible.

Your resume and interview performance are your chance to make a strong case for why you deserve more money.

You should tailor your resume to the job description and highlight your most relevant experience and skills.

During interviews, you must also be prepared to discuss these achievements and how you've brought value to your previous job title.

When you clearly communicate the value you bring, you're in a better position to negotiate a higher starting salary.

When Is the Best Time to Negotiate Salary?

Timing can make or break your chances of securing a higher salary. It’s important to know when to bring up salary negotiations to increase your chances of getting a positive response.

One of the best times to discuss salary expectations is at the start of the interview process. You don't need to wait until you get the job offer to negotiate your salary.

You can start this conversation by asking the recruiter the following question: What's the budget for the role?

They will know how much money was budgeted to hire someone for the role.

When you ask, they'll usually give you a range. They'll say something like, "The budget is around $100k to $140k depending on experience."

Whatever range they give you, you will want to respond with: "Great! That aligns with my expectations."

Here's why you should use this response:

• If the range is higher than you expected, congratulations—you're now in the interview process for a job that's paying more than what you were looking for!
• You can use this knowledge to your advantage if you want to negotiate the job offer.
• If the range they gave you is lower than you expected, you can still try to land the job. Then, you can negotiate the salary after you get an offer.

4 Effective Tips When Negotiating Salary

Now that you know when to negotiate, it's time to learn how to do it effectively. Here are four practical tips to keep in mind during negotiations.

1. Make the Specific Ask

When negotiating, don’t be vague. Be clear about the salary amount you want.

For example, if you want an extra $5,000, you can ask for $10,000 and hope to land in the middle.

If you're pursuing a typical entry-level tech role, asking for an additional 5-10% on top of the on-target earnings is reasonable.

When you present a specific number, it shows that you've done your homework and are serious about your request. 

It also gives the employer a concrete figure to consider rather than an open-ended discussion.

2. Be Appreciative and Polite

You always want to start by letting the hiring manager or recruiter know how appreciative you are of the opportunity to join their team.

Asking for more compensation won’t be off-putting to the employer if you’re reasonable, appreciative, and polite in your request.

3. Provide Justification

Backing up your salary request with evidence is important. Employers are more likely to agree when they see clear reasons for your ask.

You can highlight your skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring to the company. Use concrete examples to show how your contributions have positively impacted the business.

Whether meeting performance goals, driving revenue, or leading successful projects, having facts to support your ask strengthens your argument.

If you’re a recent graduate or a career changer, you can point to market data or industry benchmarks to justify your request.

4. Show Confidence

It’s normal to feel nervous during salary negotiations but don’t let that stop you from speaking up. Approach the conversation with the belief that you deserve to be paid fairly. Avoid apologizing for asking or downplaying your request.

You can build confidence by researching labor statistics and industry standards. You can also practice with a trusted colleague or peer.

Being confident can leave a positive impression on employers and hiring managers. This confidence shows that you're not afraid to handle tricky conversations, which is a valuable trait for most jobs.

How to Increase Your Salary After You’ve Already Been Hired?

If you’ve been with a company for a while, you can follow several ways to push for a raise. Here’s how you can increase your salary after being hired.

Research the Company's Pay Structure

Understanding how your company structures pay can give you an edge when asking for a raise. Some companies have strict guidelines for raises, while others offer more flexibility.

Find out if there are salary bands or tiers based on experience or performance. You can often get this information from HR or during performance reviews.

By knowing what’s typical, you can better position your request.

For example, if your company provides raises after a certain quarter or performance level, you must only start negotiations during these periods.

The more you know about your company's internal system, the better your chances of getting a salary increase.

Pick the Best Time for Salary Negotiation

As previously mentioned, timing is important when negotiating salary.

Try to align your request with key moments like the annual review process, after completing a big project, or when the company is performing well financially.

Don’t wait until you’re frustrated with your pay or when the company is swamped with responsibilities.

Be proactive and plan ahead to increase your chances of getting a positive response.

Track Your Achievements and Contributions

If you want a raise, you need to show why you deserve one.

Track your accomplishments and keep a detailed record of how you’ve contributed to the company.

Did you lead a successful project, save money, or increase efficiency? These are all tangible reasons for a raise.

When you ask for more money, clear examples make it easier for your manager to see your value. It also demonstrates that you’re serious about your performance and growth.

Take on More Responsibilities or Leadership Roles

One of the fastest ways to earn more is by expanding your role. You can volunteer for projects, take on leadership roles, or mentor junior employees.

By showing that you can handle more, you position yourself for promotions and raises.

Employers are always looking for people who go beyond their job description and contribute at a higher level. Not only does this help you grow your skills, but it also makes you indispensable to the company.

Seek Mentorship

Having a mentor can help you navigate your career and salary discussions.

Mentors, especially those in leadership roles, can give you insights into company culture, pay practices, and when to ask for a raise. 

They can also advocate for you and provide guidance on how to approach tough conversations.

If you don’t have a mentor yet, look for someone within your organization or industry who has the necessary experience and positive reviews.

Let Better Career Help You Highlight Your Value

Need further help in negotiating your salary and securing your dream job, specifically in tech sales? Here's how Better Career can assist you:

• Job Accelerator Program: Follow our step-by-step guide to land a tech job quickly and efficiently. Whether you want to be a Sales Engineer, Customer Success Professional, or Project Manager, our mentorship program is designed to accelerate your tech career. Say goodbye to the frustration and guesswork of a typical job search.
• 1-on-1 Career Coaching: Work closely with former tech leaders turned career coaches to land your next Sales or Sales Engineering role, or advance your career. We'll customize the program to meet your unique goals and needs.
• B2B Tech Job Board: Connect directly with key people at hiring companies through our curated job board for B2B tech positions. This includes direct LinkedIn profiles and posts for each listing.

Have other questions? Fill out our contact form, and we'll get in touch with you soon!

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FAQs About How to Get the Highest Salary Possible

What is the best way to prepare for a salary negotiation?

Research is key. You should know the market rate for your role and experience.

You must also prepare a list of your achievements and contributions. Then, practice how you’ll present your case.

How do I justify a higher salary?

You can use data to support your request for a higher salary. You can also highlight your skills, experience, and how you've positively impacted the company.

Is it okay to share my previous salary with the recruiter?

Do not tell the recruiter how much money you made in your previous job. In fact, it’s illegal for them to ask in most US states.

Instead of sharing your past salary, ask them what the budget for the role is. If they insist on you providing your range, say something like, “I’m open to a range based on the market rate for this role. From my research, that range is $100K-$140K. How does that align with the budget for this role?”