Most English learners can hold a job interview comfortably at B2. Salary negotiation is different. It requires you to be indirect without being unclear, assertive without being aggressive, and specific without sounding scripted — all while processing language under pressure. That is a C1 task.
Around 75% of English speakers globally are non-native speakers, according to data from the Language Testing International research database. Many of them negotiate salary, benefits, and contract terms in English every day. Research published in Global Focus Magazine has found that in multilingual workplaces, fluent speakers of the corporate language tend to gain more influence in negotiations — which means language skill has a direct effect on outcomes, not just impressions.
This guide covers the specific phrases, hedging structures, and conversational moves you need. It is organized by stage, from the moment salary comes up through to closing the conversation.
Before you hear a number
In many international hiring contexts, you will be asked about your salary expectations before an offer is made. This is a moment to gather information rather than commit.
These phrases let you deflect without seeming evasive:
“I’d prefer to understand the full scope of the role before discussing compensation — could you share the budgeted range?”
“I’ve been looking at market data, but I’d rather hear what you have in mind first.”
“Is there a set band for this position, or is there flexibility depending on the candidate?”
The structure to notice: I’d prefer / I’d rather signals preference politely. Ending with a question redirects the conversation without refusing to answer. This is a C1 pragmatic strategy — you are managing the interaction, not just responding to it.
One phrase to avoid: “What is the salary?” This is grammatically correct but sounds abrupt in most English-speaking hiring contexts. The word compensation or package is more natural in formal discussions; pay or salary is fine in casual ones.
Stating your case
If you need to name a number or justify your expectations, frame it in terms of market data and your specific experience — not personal need. In English-language business culture, “I need more money because rent is expensive” is not a negotiating argument. Evidence is.
Useful structures:
“Based on my experience with [specific skill or area] and the market rate for comparable roles, I was expecting something in the range of [X to Y].”
“I’ve been looking at salary benchmarks for this type of role, and positions with similar responsibilities tend to sit around [figure].”
“Given my background in [area], I’d be looking for something closer to [figure].”
The phrase I’d be looking for is a common C1 hedging structure. It signals intention rather than demand, which is considered more professional in most Anglophone business contexts. I want would be grammatically simpler but registers as blunt.
Useful vocabulary at this level: benchmark (standard for comparison), compensation package (total pay plus benefits), market rate (what similar jobs typically pay), commensurate with (matching, proportionate to) as in “a salary commensurate with my experience.”
When the offer arrives
The most important phrase in salary negotiation is also the simplest: “Thank you — I’d like some time to consider this.”
You are not obligated to respond immediately. In many cultures, accepting without question signals that the offer was fair; in others, it signals eagerness. In English-language hiring contexts, asking for time to consider is entirely normal and does not affect how you are perceived.
If you need more specific language:
“I appreciate the offer. Could I have until [specific day] to review the details?”
“I want to make sure I’m considering everything carefully — would it be alright if I came back to you by [day]?”
Both use indirect requests (could I / would it be alright if) rather than direct ones (give me time). That indirectness is appropriate at this register.
If you are caught off guard and need to buy a few seconds in the moment, “That’s helpful — let me make sure I have the full picture” is a neutral response that gives you a moment to think.
Countering an offer
The most effective counter at C1 level uses a conditional structure that keeps the conversation collaborative rather than confrontational.
“I was hoping for something closer to [figure]. Is there any flexibility on that?”
“The offer is slightly below what I had in mind — I was thinking around [figure]. Would that be possible?”
“If we could get to [figure], I’d be in a position to confirm quite quickly.”
That last structure — if we could get to X, I’d be in a position to Y — is worth studying. It frames your counter as a mutual benefit: they move, something positive happens. This is a C1 conditional used in professional negotiation contexts and sounds natural, not rehearsed.
Data point: 55% of workers accept the first offer without negotiating, according to a 2025 Resume Genius survey. Among those who do counter, 85% receive at least some improvement, according to a Fidelity survey cited by CNBC. The fear of damaging the relationship by negotiating is, statistically, disproportionate to the actual risk.
Discussing benefits
Salary is one part of a compensation package. Non-salary elements — remote work arrangements, annual leave, professional development budgets, pension contributions, bonuses — are often negotiable when base salary is not, and many candidates in international roles never ask about them.
How to ask without sounding demanding:
“Could you walk me through the benefits structure?”
“Is there scope for flexibility on the remote work arrangement?”
“I noticed the listing mentioned a performance review after six months — is there typically a salary review attached to that?”
“Is the professional development budget something that could be discussed?”
The phrase is there scope for is a softer alternative to can you change, and is common in British and multinational business English. Could you walk me through is a polite way to ask for detailed information without specifying what you want changed.
A note on directness: English-language negotiation conventions are more indirect than German or Dutch business culture, but considerably more direct than many East Asian contexts where disagreement may be signaled through silence or deflection rather than explicit statements. If you are used to a very high-context communication style, the directness of “I was hoping for more” may feel uncomfortable — but in English, it reads as professional, not rude.
Closing the conversation
Three outcomes are possible: you accept, you decline, or you ask for more time. All three can be handled without burning the relationship.
Accepting:
“I’m happy to accept. Thank you — I’m looking forward to getting started.”
“This works for me. I’ll look out for the paperwork.”
Declining:
“I’ve thought it over carefully, and I don’t think this is the right fit at this stage — but I appreciate the time you’ve spent with me.”
“The role is genuinely interesting, but the compensation isn’t quite where it needs to be for me to make this move. I hope we can stay in touch.”
Asking for more time:
“I’m very interested in the role and I want to make the right decision. Could I have until [day]?”
The phrase I want to make the right decision signals seriousness, not hesitation. Giving a specific date is important — open-ended requests (“I’ll think about it”) can read as disinterest.
What not to say
A few phrases that create problems at this level:
“I need this salary because…” — Personal circumstances are not a negotiating argument in English-language business culture. Use market evidence instead.
“Is that your best offer?” — This phrase is very common in American consumer contexts (buying a car, haggling at a market) but registers as confrontational in a job offer discussion. Use the conditional counter structures above instead.
“I have another offer for [X].” — Only use this if it is true. If you say it and then do not actually receive that offer, you are in a difficult position. If it is true, the structure “I do have a competing offer I’m considering” is more professional than stating the exact figure unprompted.
“Sorry to ask, but…” — Apologizing before negotiating undermines your position. You do not need to apologize for asking about pay.
A note on register
The phrases in this guide are calibrated for formal English-language business contexts — interviews, HR conversations, written offers. If you are negotiating with a startup founder in a very casual environment, some of these will sound over-formal. If you are dealing with a large multinational, they will sound appropriate.
One consistent rule across registers: be specific. “I was hoping for around 65,000” is more effective than “I was hoping for a bit more.” Specificity signals that you have done your research, and it gives the other party something concrete to respond to.