When you’re starting in your career, negotiating your first salary can feel intimidating, especially as a fresher in India’s competitive job market. While many newcomers feel they have limited leverage due to their lack of experience, experts feel knowing how to navigate this conversation can make a significant difference in your career trajectory.
With the right preparation, even fresh graduates can secure better pay, benefits, and work conditions. In this article, we’ll provide expert tips to help you confidently negotiate your salary as a fresher and set yourself up for long-term success.
Know How To Prepare For Salary Negotiations
Beyond Negotiation
Experts believe salary negotiation isn’t just about asking for more money; it’s about positioning yourself as a valuable asset and demonstrating your potential. With the right strategies, even those just starting their careers can negotiate effectively to achieve a compensation package that reflects their skills and market value.
Approaching Salary During Job Interviews Without Coming Off As Entitled
Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business, TeamLease Edtech, suggests it’s essential for freshers to approach salary discussions with confidence, but also with an understanding of their value in the market.
One of the key aspects is research—freshers should be well-informed about industry standards for entry-level roles, Kewalramani underlines.
This includes having an understanding of the average salary range for their specific job role, sector, and location.
Sashi Kumar, India Head of Sales, Indeed, a global talent management platform, also highlights that negotiating starting salary is not just about securing a higher paycheck—it’s about recognising your value and establishing a strong foundation for your career. It’s a crucial part of the interview process.
Kumar points out “Many fresh graduates hesitate to negotiate, fearing it might risk their job offer or feeling they lack the experience to ask for more.”
In reality, employers expect candidates to advocate for themselves, and demonstrating confidence as you enter the workforce can reflect professionalism and self-assurance, he adds.
Research Well
Kumar adds that before entering a salary negotiation, it’s important to research the industry and current salary trends. Understanding the market average provides a solid reference point for salary requests and can serve as a compelling rationale.
Aligning Skills With Demand
Consider how your skills, education, and unique experiences align with the company’s needs. Highlight relevant aspects—whether technical expertise, internships, or key soft skills like communication and teamwork—to support your case, Kumar suggests.
Kewalramani also highlights that when entering a salary discussion, freshers should focus on the value they bring—skills, academic accomplishments, internships, and any relevant project work.
“It’s crucial to position the conversation as a negotiation based on market data and personal capability rather than a demand. A humble yet assertive tone can help avoid coming across as entitled,” says Kewalramani.
Alternatives Freshers Consider If Salary Request Is Not Met
Kewalramani says if freshers find that their salary expectations are not met, they should be open to exploring alternative compensation mechanisms.
According to a report by Teamlease, employers are increasingly offering growth opportunities, professional development, and non-monetary benefits as part of the package.
For instance, they can inquire about opportunities for upskilling, such as certifications or on-the-job training in areas like digital marketing, data science, or project management—fields that are highly sought after according to the report.
Additionally, freshers should consider benefits like Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs), which allow them to share in the company’s long-term growth, as well as performance-linked bonuses or future salary reviews tied to their achievements during probation or confirmation reviews, suggest Kewalramani.
By doing so, freshers can focus on demonstrating their potential, knowing that their performance will open up further compensation discussions.
Flexible working hours, health insurance, and other perks can also be valuable alternatives to immediate salary increments. Freshers should view these benefits as investments in their future career growth and overall well-being.
Long Term Outlook
Kewalramani elaborates that freshers should remember that the first offer is often just the start of their career. It’s more important to focus on the overall trajectory rather than just the immediate compensation.
Employers are increasingly looking for adaptability, continuous learning, and a balance of technical and soft skills like negotiation and teamwork. By demonstrating a growth mindset, freshers can open doors to not just financial rewards but also long-term career advancement opportunities.
Additionally, freshers can request a compensation review during their confirmation period based on their performance, showing that they are proactive and committed to growth within the company.
