Interview rounds
How to negotiate salary in English when it is not your first language
Sergei Skrylkov, Founder, Trippi · facts checked against the product on 2026-09-30
Salary negotiation in English comes down to a few sentences said clearly and calmly: thank them, ask for time, give a specific number with a reason, and then stop talking. The hard part in a second language is not your sentences — you can prepare those. It is the recruiter’s: “we have some flexibility”, “that’s at the top of the band”, “let me see what I can do” each mean something specific, and each changes what you should say next. This page covers both sides of the call. It cannot promise a result; nobody honest can.
The offer call, and why it is harder in a second language
Offers are often made on a video call with the recruiter, sometimes with the hiring manager joining for the first minute. The recruiter has done this many times this month; you do it every few years. They speak quickly, they use phrases that sound like small talk but carry information, and there is pressure to answer in the moment. In a second language, that pressure is bigger: it is tempting to say “yes, that sounds good” just to end the uncertainty. The simplest rule of the offer call is that you do not have to decide anything on it.
Phrases that work
Thank them and ask for time — first minute
“Thank you, I’m really glad to hear it. Could you send the details in writing? I’d like a day or two to look at the whole package.”
Say you want to negotiate — without apology
“I’m excited about the role. Before I accept, I’d like to talk about the base salary.”
The counter offer — a number, with a reason
“Based on the scope we discussed and what I’m seeing for similar roles, I was expecting something closer to 105,000.” One number, not a range: a range invites them to pick the bottom of it.
When the base will not move — other parts of the offer
“I understand. Is there flexibility on the signing bonus, the start date or the review timing instead?”
Anchoring on the work, not on need — why you, not why you need it
“Given that I’d be owning the migration from the first month, I think the number should reflect that.”
Closing — clearly
“If you can get to 105, I’m ready to accept.” Say this only if it is true.
These are counter offer phrases that sound polite and firm in English. Rehearse them out loud; a sentence that reads well can be hard to say for the first time on a live call.
What the recruiter’s lines usually mean
| What they say | What it usually means | What to say next |
|---|---|---|
| “We have some flexibility.” | There is room above the first number. How much, they will not say first. | Give your specific number and reason. |
| “That’s at the top of the band.” | The base is close to the limit for this level. Other parts may still move. | Ask about bonus, equity, start date or title. Or ask whether the role could be levelled higher. |
| “Let me see what I can do.” | They will take your number to someone who approves it. Not a yes. | “Thank you. When should I expect to hear back?” Then wait. |
| “This is our best and final offer.” | Usually true about the base. Sometimes a test. | Decide on the whole package. Asking once about one other part is still reasonable. |
| “We need an answer by Friday.” | A deadline. It may be firm or may move. | If you need more time, ask once, with a reason: “I have another process finishing next week; could we say Tuesday?” |
| “What would it take for you to sign today?” | They want to close, and there may be room. | Your number, if you are ready. If not: “I’d like to sleep on it, but I’m very positive.” |
| “Is that number firm?” | They are checking whether you will accept less. | “It’s where I need to be to accept.” Or, if not firm, say so honestly and give your real floor. |
These are the common meanings, not a code. The same sentence from a different recruiter can mean something else. When unsure, ask a direct question: “Does that mean the base can move, or the other parts?”
“What are your salary expectations?” — how to answer
This question comes twice: on the recruiter screen, before any offer, and sometimes again on the offer call. Early in the process, a range is normal; at the offer, a single number is stronger.
Interviewer
“So, what are your salary expectations for this role?”
The answer that sounds fine
“Oh, I’m flexible, whatever is fair for the position.”
Sounds polite. It gives them the whole decision, and the first number will be theirs.
The answer they wanted
“For this scope, I’m looking at 100 to 110 thousand base. I’m open to talking about the full package.”
A range with a bottom you would accept, said once, then silence. See the recruiter screen for when this comes up first.
Silence as a tool
After you say your number, stop. Do not add “but I’m flexible” or “if that’s too much, I understand”. The pause will feel long, especially on video and especially in a second language, where silence feels like a mistake. It is not. The recruiter needs a moment to decide what to say, and whatever they say next tells you more than anything you could add. Count to five in your head. If they say nothing, a calm “What do you think?” is enough.
The salary negotiation email
If you prefer to negotiate in writing, or want to confirm what was said on the call, keep the email short. One example:
Hi Anna,
Thank you again for the offer. I’m excited about the role and the team.
Before I accept, I’d like to ask about the base salary. Given the scope we discussed, especially owning the reporting migration, and what I see for similar roles, I was hoping for 105,000. If we can get there, I’m ready to accept this week.
Happy to talk on a call if that is easier.
Best,
Maria
Writing gives you time to choose each word, which is a real advantage in a second language. Many recruiters will still call you to answer; the phrases above then apply.
What no page can promise
Negotiation does not always work. Some companies have fixed bands and do not move; some roles have many candidates. Asking politely, once, with a reason, rarely costs an offer, but it can happen, and you should only ask for a number you would genuinely prefer to the one offered. Decide your walk-away number before the call, and write it down.
What Trippi Cue does on the offer call
If the offer call is in Google Meet, Zoom on the web or Teams on the web, one click on the Trippi Cue icon in that tab starts it listening to the tab’s audio — not your microphone, and no bot joins. Each line the recruiter says appears in the window, with a translation under it in your language, so “we’re at the top of the band for this level, but there may be room on the sign-on” is on your screen to read twice rather than a sound you hope you understood.
Before the call, type your number, your reason and your walk-away point into the note (“About this meeting”). When a question is addressed to you — “what number would get you to yes?” — the short card that follows uses your number, not a generic line. It does not hear your side of the call and cannot judge how the negotiation is going. It shows you what they said; what you ask for is yours. An offer made by phone call has no tab, and Cue cannot hear it.
FAQ
Salary negotiation, specifically.
How do I negotiate salary in English if my English is not perfect?+
Prepare four sentences in advance — thanks, a request for time, your number with a reason, and your closing line — and say them slowly. Ask the recruiter to repeat or put things in writing whenever you are unsure. Asking for the offer in writing is normal.
Should I give a range or a number?+
A range early in the process, a single number when you negotiate an offer. At the offer stage, a range tends to be read as its lowest point.
Is it better to negotiate by email or on a call?+
Either is normal. Email gives you time to choose words; a call can feel more personal. Many people ask on the call and confirm by email.
Can a company withdraw an offer because I negotiated?+
It is rare when the request is polite and reasonable, but it can happen. Only ask for a number you genuinely prefer, and know your walk-away point.
Will Trippi Cue tell me what number to ask for?+
No. It does not know the market for your role. It translates the recruiter’s lines and, if you typed your number into the note before the call, its cards use your number.
Read next
Your number, decided before the call. Their words, readable during it.
Trippi Cue is in the Chrome Web Store. One click on the icon when the call begins, and nothing before that.