How do I negotiate for a higher salary without sounding greedy?
So I’m at this point where I feel like I deserve more money at my job. I’ve been taking on more responsibilities, working longer hours and honestly doing stuff outside my role that wasn’t part of my job description when I got hired. I don’t hate my job but I can’t help feeling underpaid compared to what I’m bringing to the table. The thing is I have no idea how to bring this up without sounding greedy or ungrateful. I don’t want my boss to think I’m just chasing money or that I’m not happy where I am but at the same time I feel like I should be compensated fairly.
For those who’ve done this before, how do you go about negotiating for a higher salary? Do you frame it around your contributions, your market value or just ask straight up? What worked best for you?
Jobadvisor
That's a really common and understandable position to be in. It's not about being greedy; it's about being fairly compensated for the value you provide. The key is to frame the conversation around your contributions and value, not your need for more money. Here's how you can approach it without sounding ungrateful or demanding.
Do Your Homework
Before you even schedule a meeting, gather the information you'll need to make your case.
Document your achievements. Don't just list your new responsibilities; show the impact of your work. Did you lead a project that increased efficiency by 15%? Did you take on tasks that saved the company money? Quantify your contributions with specific numbers and results.
Research your market value. Use sites like LinkedIn Salary, Glassdoor, and Payscale to understand the average salary for someone with your experience, skills, and location in your industry. This data provides a solid foundation for your request, showing it's based on industry standards, not just a personal feeling.
Frame the Conversation Strategically
When you talk to your boss, the focus should be on your growth and value to the company.
Schedule a dedicated meeting. Don't bring this up during a quick chat or a busy team meeting. Request a formal meeting to discuss your career growth and compensation. This signals that you're taking the conversation seriously.
Start with your positive contributions. Begin by expressing your satisfaction with the company and your role. Mention specific projects you've enjoyed working on and the skills you've developed. This sets a positive tone and shows you're invested in your work.
Connect your contributions to your request. After highlighting your achievements, explain how your role has expanded and how you are now contributing at a higher level than when you were hired. Use the data you gathered to show that your current salary is no longer aligned with the value you're providing or your market value. For example, "When I was hired, my role was X, and I've since taken on responsibilities A, B, and C, which have led to Y result. Based on my expanded responsibilities and market research for this type of role, I'd like to discuss an adjustment to my compensation."
Be clear and confident with your number. Have a specific number or a range in mind. When you state it, do so confidently. For example, "Based on my research and the increased responsibilities I've taken on, I believe a salary of [specific number] would be a fair reflection of my contributions."
What to Avoid
Don't make it about your personal finances. Your boss doesn't need to know about your rent, student loans, or desire for a new car. The negotiation should be about your value to the company, not your personal needs.
Don't issue an ultimatum. Avoid saying things like "If I don't get a raise, I'm leaving." This can make you seem disloyal and can shut down the conversation. A better approach is to express your commitment to the company while also being clear about your desire for fair compensation.
Don't compare yourself to others. This can come across as unprofessional and create a negative dynamic. Focus only on your own performance and value.
By focusing on your contributions and approaching the conversation with data and professionalism, you're not asking for a favor—you're making a strong business case for why you deserve to be paid what you're worth. It's a negotiation, not a demand.
Would you like to brainstorm some specific phrases or talking points based on your unique situation?
100+ applications and I might as well be invisible - WTF am I doing wrong???
been job hunting for 3 months straight, probably sent out like 120+ applications at this point. you know how many responses I've gotten? FIVE. automated rejections. that's it. most of the time it's just radio silence. like I don't even exist. I spend hours customizing resumes and cover letters for each job, researching companies, all that shit they tell you to do. feels like I'm screaming into the void.
tried all the hacks... keywords optimization, networking, linkedin premium, whatever. nothing moves the needle. starting to think there's something fundamentally fucked up about how I'm presenting myself but I can't figure out what. has ANYONE actually cracked this code or is it just pure luck??? because this is brutal and I'm running out of steam.
Jobadvisor
I understand your frustration. The job search process can feel incredibly discouraging, especially when you're putting in so much effort without seeing any results. It's easy to feel like you're just a number in a sea of applicants, and the silence from companies can be deafening.
First, let's acknowledge that a low response rate isn't uncommon. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes, and a significant percentage of applications are never even seen by a human recruiter. However, a 5-out-of-120 response rate is unusually low, and while there's no single "magic bullet," there are some common issues that might be at play.
Is Your Resume Optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?
The reality is that most of your applications are likely being rejected by a computer before they ever reach a person. Even with keyword optimization, there can be other technical issues.
Format and Readability: A common mistake is using a resume template that looks great but is not ATS-friendly. The system may struggle to parse complex designs, columns, or non-standard fonts, leading to a garbled mess on the other end. Stick to a simple, clean layout with a single column.
Keyword Precision: Simply having keywords isn't enough; you need to match the language used in the job description precisely. If the job description says "customer relationship management" and your resume says "CRM," the system may not recognize the connection. Tailor your resume to reflect the exact terminology used in the job posting.
Is Your Resume's Content Compelling?
Beyond the technical aspect, the content of your resume needs to stand out once it gets past the ATS.
Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of simply listing your duties (e.g., "Managed social media accounts"), quantify your accomplishments (e.g., "Increased social media engagement by 25% in six months"). Use numbers, percentages, and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.
Action-Oriented Language: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs. This makes your resume more dynamic and professional. For example, use words like "Developed," "Launched," "Streamlined," or "Grew" instead of weaker verbs like "Responsible for" or "Assisted with."
Have You Explored Alternative Job Search Strategies?
While applying online is a necessary part of the process, it's not the only way to get a job. In fact, many people find success through other avenues.
The Power of Networking: Most jobs are filled through referrals. While it feels like an overused suggestion, it’s effective because a referral from a current employee can bypass the ATS and get your resume directly in front of a hiring manager. Set a goal to have at least one meaningful conversation a week with someone in your target industry.
Targeted Outreach: Instead of mass-applying, identify a few companies you're genuinely passionate about. Find a recruiter or hiring manager at those companies on LinkedIn and send a concise, personalized message. Explain why you're a great fit for their team and express your enthusiasm for their work.
This is a marathon, not a sprint, and your frustration is valid. The important thing is to keep moving forward and fine-tune your approach. It's very possible that a few small adjustments could make a huge difference.
Would you be open to sharing a specific job description and the resume you used for it? That might help us pinpoint exactly where the disconnect is happening.
4 months unemployed - what actually helped vs. what was just a time sink
Been jobless since May. Sent out 200+ apps. Got maybe a dozen real responses, a few interviews… and mostly MONTHS of dead silence that had me doubting everything. Writing this partly to vent, partly so someone else doesn’t waste time like I did.
What didn’t help
AI auto-apply services – saved me clicks but made me look like everyone else. Zero boost.
LinkedIn Premium – nice analytics for a week, but not a hiring solution.
Mass networking messages – a couple polite replies, no actual opportunities.
Endless portfolio tinkering – looked shinier, but no new doors opened.
What actually worked
Tailoring resumes - manually at first, later with some automation. Read the posting, mirrored their language, stuck the single most relevant metric right at the top. Reply rates went from dead flat to at least moving.
Using a small tool (but editing everything) - it flagged missing keywords and helped with ATS phrasing, but I always rewrote to keep it human. Tools = grunt work. Me = judgment.
Video intro + transcript - sent a 60-sec clip (name, role, one concrete impact, the 2 key skills they wanted, why I cared, CTA). Put transcript in the cover letter for ATS. Recruiter actually referenced a line from the video. Ended up with an offer. Humans remember faces, ATS eats the text.
Posting little public signals – one short post/demo a week kept me visible. Took minutes, paid off in attention.
Daily micro-tasks + mental health stuff – 1 useful action a day, therapy check-ins, exercise. Kept me from spiraling.
Things I wish I knew sooner
Tailoring is the signal. Relevance > polish.
Tools are fine if they cut grunt work, but don’t hand them the wheel.
Human moments stick way more than a perfect PDF.
Subscriptions/hacks mostly waste time unless paired with focused effort.
If you’re stuck: I felt hopeless for months and still have bad days. Tiny tactical changes helped me claw back momentum.
If anyone wants, I can share the exact checklist I use to tailor resumes or the script for my 60-sec video.
And for folks who have broken out - what was the ONE move that finally turned things around for you?
Jobadvisor
Hey, thanks for sharing your experience. It takes courage to put it all out there, and your insights are a great reminder that job searching is a marathon, not a sprint. The feeling of sending out application after application and hearing nothing back is incredibly frustrating, and it's easy to get lost in the sea of online advice and "hacks" that promise a quick fix.
You've hit on some crucial points that many job seekers learn the hard way. The things that often feel like shortcuts—mass applications, generic networking messages, and shiny subscription services—rarely lead to a real breakthrough. They're what I call "activity without action." They make you feel busy, but they don't move you forward in a meaningful way.
What I've seen work for others, too
The things that you found effective are exactly the things that tend to pay off for most people.
Tailoring your application: You're right—relevance is everything. An application that clearly speaks to the specific job and company is a powerful signal. It tells the recruiter you're serious and that you've done your homework. This is often the single biggest factor in getting a response.
Leveraging technology smartly: The key is to use tools to handle the repetitive tasks, not to replace your judgment. Your point about using a tool to flag keywords but then rewriting to "keep it human" is spot on. Tools can give you a solid foundation, but you have to build the final house yourself.
Humanizing the process: A video introduction, a personalized post, or even a brief, well-thought-out message that references something specific about the company—these are the "human moments" that cut through the noise. Recruiters and hiring managers are people, and they respond to authentic connection and effort.
Maintaining momentum and mindset: The daily micro-tasks and focusing on mental health are just as important as the resume itself. The emotional toll of a job search is immense. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it's a necessity for staying resilient and effective.
The One Move That Turned Things Around
You asked what "one move" finally broke through for others. For many, it's not a single trick but a shift in strategy. The most common turning point I hear about is when someone stops focusing on applying and starts focusing on connecting.
This often means:
Targeting companies directly instead of just applying to open roles on job boards.
Finding and connecting with hiring managers or people on the team you want to join, and having genuine conversations.
Demonstrating your skills through a project, a blog post, or a video that shows what you can do, rather than just telling them on a resume.
Your video introduction is a perfect example of this. It's a proactive, human-centered way of demonstrating value and getting noticed.
What you've shared is incredibly valuable. Thank you for taking the time to write it all out. Your perspective will definitely help others who are feeling stuck and looking for a better way forward.