How to Negotiate Salary in an Interview - 7 Effective Steps

Negotiating salary during an interview is a skill many Vietnamese candidates hesitate to use. The fear of being perceived as "greedy" or "losing the offer" often leads people to accept a lower salary than their true worth. In reality, 73% of recruiters expect candidates to negotiate – it's a normal part of the process. When should you discuss salary?

The golden rule:

Let the employer state a number first. If asked "what are your salary expectations" in the initial round, try to defer: "I'd like to learn more about the scope of the role before giving a specific number. Could you share the salary range for this position?" The best time to negotiate salary is

after receiving an offer – this is when you have the strongest leverage because the company has already decided to choose you.7 Effective Salary Negotiation Steps

Step 1: Research market salary rates

Before your interview, you must know the market rate for similar positions. Reference sources:

Ezlun Salary Reference Tool - search by position and experience

• Glassdoor, TopCV, VietnamWorks - check salary ranges

• Ask friends in the industry (same level, same city)

• LinkedIn - many job postings include salary ranges

• Step 2: Determine your salary range

Based on your research, define 3 numbers:

**Minimum acceptable:** Below this, you will decline

• **Target salary:** The amount you aim to achieve

• **Ideal salary:** The highest you think you can realistically get

• Step 3: Understand total compensation

Salary isn't just a monthly figure. Total compensation includes:

Base salary

• Bonuses - 13th-month, KPI-based

• Allowances: lunch, travel, phone, parking

• Supplemental insurance

• Additional leave days

• Training budget

• Remote/hybrid work policy

• Stock options (for startups/tech companies)

• Step 4: Make a counter offer

When you receive an offer, don't accept immediately (unless it significantly exceeds your expectations). Negotiate:

"Thank you for the offer. I'm very excited about this opportunity. Based on my [X years] of experience and [specific achievements], I'm looking for a salary of [number + 10-15%]. Would you be able to consider this?"

Step 5: Use evidence, not emotion

Don't say "I need more because my rent is expensive." Instead, say:

"The market rate for this position in Ho Chi Minh City is 20-25 million according to [source]"

• "With my [X] experience and [Y] results, I believe I deserve to be above average"

• "I currently have another offer at [Z]" (only if true)

• Step 6: Know when to stop

If the recruiter says "this is the highest we can offer," respect that. At this point, you can negotiate other benefits: more leave days, a salary review after 6 months instead of 1 year, or a signing bonus.

Step 7: Get it in writing

Once an agreement is reached, request an official offer letter clearly stating: base salary, bonuses, allowances, probation period, and post-probation salary.

NET vs. GROSS Salary - Clarify before accepting the offer

Very important: always ask,

"Is this salary NET or GROSS?" The difference can be up to 15-25%. For example: a GROSS salary of 25 million - after deducting social insurance + personal income tax - you'll receive approximately 20-21 million NET. When should you decline an offer?

Salary is below your determined minimum

• The company refuses to negotiate despite your market evidence

• Red flags during the interview process (toxic culture, excessive unpaid overtime)

• You have a better offer

• Prepare better with Ezlun

Before negotiating, understand the difference between Net and Gross salary at NET vs GROSS Salary: Detailed Calculation Guide 2026.

Check average salaries by industry for realistic figures. See Industry Salary Comparison in Vietnam 2026.

Before your interview and salary negotiation, prepare thoroughly:

check your CV to ensure a perfect profile, and refer to market salary rates to have specific data for negotiation. Summary

Salary negotiation isn't a confrontation - it's

a collaboration to find a suitable level for both parties. Prepare your data, be confident, and remember that 73% of recruiters expect you to negotiate. Don't leave money on the table.. Chuẩn bị data, tự tin, và nhớ rằng 73% nhà tuyển dụng mong bạn sẽ thương lượng. Đừng bỏ tiền trên bàn.