Confidently negotiate your next salary

On average, women in Switzerland still earn less than men in similar roles. The gender pay gap is real and there are many reasons why it exists. Part-time work, for example due to motherhood, is especially relevant.

It presents particular challenges for women in terms of financial security and independence, both in everyday life and for retirement planning. A lower income and potentially lower future wage growth affect all three pillars of retirement planning.

However, the good news is that by taking control of your finances early, you can address these challenges and potentially close any gaps. This includes knowing the value of your own work and negotiating your salary confidently, whether during the application process or when asking for a raise in your current job.

Thorough preparation is crucial when negotiating and means you will be less likely to be taken off guard during the meeting. It also means you’ll have the right arguments to support your demands, making you appear more professional.

Do your research: what is a fair salary for my work?

You usually don’t know your own market value, especially at the start of your career. You do not have any comparative figures from colleagues, and you don’t want to appear greedy. But don’t let that stop you from confidently advocating for a fair salary.

Generally speaking, it never hurts to ask. But within the company, tact is especially important. And if someone does not want to talk about salary or money matters in general, you must accept that.

Define how much room there is for negotiation: what outcome will you be satisfied with?

Before the meeting, you must make sure you’ve clarified the following: What is your desired salary, and what is the lowest you’d be willing to accept? During the negotiation, it’s best to provide a range that slightly exceeds your own expectations. As a rule, you’ll be asked for the annual gross salary for a full-time position.

Tip: First, consider how much you want to have available each month net, i.e., after deducting social security contributions. These contributions can vary depending on the sector and company. Calculation templates (in German) are available, or you can also request a sample salary statement.

The annual salary may also include a 13th month’s salary. Here too, you should first consider whether to include this in your calculation from the get-go or if it should be added separately.
Let’s look at an example: Antonia would like to earn CHF 5,650 net per month, her lower limit is CHF 5,200. She knows she has to add about 13 percent for social security deductions. Her desired gross monthly salary is therefore around CHF 6,500, with her lower limit being approximately CHF 6,000.

She decides that CHF 6,700 to CHF 7,100 will be her negotiating range. Annualized, this results in a gross annual salary of CHF 80,400 to CHF 85,200 (excluding the 13th month’s salary).

Especially in view of lower pension income from the state pension system, you should prioritize social benefits. This way, you not only benefit in the short term but also strengthen your financial security and independence in the long term.

Prepare your arguments: why do I deserve the requested salary?

To be in a strong negotiating position, you need solid arguments as to why your work justifies the salary you are asking for.

Your background and additional factors such as education, previous work experience and special expertise should already be known, either because you are already working at the company or from your resume.

It is also important for the person you are negotiating with to know what your personal strengths are and how they benefit your work. Also of great interest are your next goals, both in terms of subject knowledge and career-wise. And how does the company benefit when you develop further?

Prepare positive wording for all your answers. And have specific situations, projects and jobs ready to back up the statement. For example, don’t say “Time management is not my thing,” but rather “I see potential for improvement in my time management. This was recently pointed out to me, so in the future I will …”

Choose the right timing: when should I bring up the topic of salary?

Salary negotiations are always a matter of timing. During the application process for a new job, there is usually a specific moment for salary discussion – it’s best to wait until you are asked directly about it. If you want to address salary expectations or other wishes on your own initiative, don’t do this in the very first introductory meeting.

When it comes to a raise in your current job, it’s usually up to you to take the initiative. Ideally, you should use career development discussions for this. This way you can link your salary demand with achieved goals and new ambitions.

Is the next “official” meeting with your manager not for a while? Don’t be afraid to ask for an additional one. It’s up to you to take charge of your professional development and good managers and HR staff will appreciate your energy and initiative.

Rehearse the conversation in advance (mentally): how and with whom can I practice before the salary negotiation?

Nearly everyone feels nervous before important negotiations, but practice helps you to appear confident and well prepared.