According to Resume Genius, 78% of professionals who negotiate their job offers end up with better terms, yet more than half never negotiate at all. To help you make the most of your next salary discussion, I’ve gathered my top strategies for using ChatGPT, including sample prompts you can use at every stage of the negotiation process. From researching salary benchmarks to practicing your pitch, these tips will help you approach negotiations with confidence and clarity.
1. Use ChatGPT for Salary Research
ChatGPT is a powerful tool for gathering and analyzing salary data across industries, locations, and experience levels. Instead of spending hours on multiple salary sites, you can use targeted prompts to quickly get market insights.
Try this prompt:
"What’s the typical salary range for a [your role] at a [company type/size] in [location]? Based on my experience in [your background], what should I target? Please provide a realistic range and a high-end figure achievable through strong negotiation."
ChatGPT pulls from sources like Glassdoor, PayScale, and industry reports, helping you understand how factors like company size or location impact pay.
For deeper analysis, ask:
"What factors influence salary differences for [your role] across companies and regions?"
This helps you understand not just the numbers, but the reasons behind them.
2. Define Your Unique Value
Many people struggle to clearly communicate their value during negotiations. ChatGPT can help you translate your achievements into business terms that resonate with decision-makers.
Prompt example:
"I achieved [specific accomplishment] as a [your position]. Help me explain how this benefits the business and why it supports a salary increase to [target amount]."
If you want multiple arguments, try:
"Give me three different reasons I deserve a raise, focusing on performance, extra responsibilities, and market alignment."
3. Practice Negotiation Scenarios
ChatGPT’s conversational abilities make it ideal for role-playing negotiation scenarios. You can practice responding to objections and tough questions.
Prompt:
"Let’s role-play a salary negotiation. You’re my manager. I’m asking to go from [current salary] to [target salary]. Respond as a manager would, including objections, and give me feedback on my answers."
Practice different scenarios—supportive, budget-conscious, or skeptical managers—to prepare for any personality or negotiation style.
4. Navigate Counteroffers and Complex Negotiations
Negotiations often involve counteroffers or alternative proposals. ChatGPT can help you evaluate and respond strategically.
Prompt:
"The company countered with [details] after my request for [original ask]. Help me assess this and craft a response that keeps the conversation positive."
If you’re negotiating a complex package:
"I’m discussing salary, bonus, equity, and benefits. Help me understand the total value and identify the best points to negotiate."
5. Time Your Negotiation Wisely
Timing is crucial. ChatGPT can help you determine when to make your request for maximum impact.
Prompt:
"I want to ask for a raise. My last review was [when], my next is [when], and I recently [achievement]. When should I start the conversation, and how should I frame it?"
6. Prepare for All Outcomes
Be ready for any response, including a “no.” ChatGPT can help you plan your next steps.
Prompt:
"If my raise request is denied, what strategies can I use to reach my compensation goals in the next 6-12 months?"
To set your minimum acceptable outcome:
"Based on research and my goals, help me define my walk-away point and plan if it’s not met."
7. Communicate Professionally
How you present your request matters. ChatGPT can help you draft emails or outline in-person conversations that are confident yet respectful.
Prompt for email:
"Draft a professional email requesting a meeting to discuss my compensation. The tone should be confident but respectful, hinting at my value without stating my specific ask."
Prompt for in-person:
"Outline a 10-minute negotiation conversation covering my market research, value, and specific request in a logical, persuasive way."
8. Follow Up Effectively
Whether the answer is yes, no, or “let us think about it,” your follow-up matters.
Prompt:
"I just finished a negotiation, and my manager needs to check with HR. Help me write a follow-up email that reinforces my key points while respecting their process."
If declined:
"My raise was denied due to budget. Help me respond professionally and position myself for future consideration."
Combining ChatGPT with your own strategy and preparation can transform salary negotiations from stressful to successful. While AI can’t replace the human touch, it offers valuable research, practice, and guidance to help you advocate for your worth.