Salary Negotiation: How to Get Paid What You Are Worth

Relocating from Africa to a Western market like the UK or Europe often comes with a massive shift in currency and cost of living. Because of this information asymmetry, many talented professionals unknowingly accept lowball offers.

Here is the definitive guide to negotiating your compensation package.

1. Do Not Share Your Current Salary

In many parts of the US and UK, it is actually illegal for employers to ask about your current salary. Regardless of legality, sharing your current salary anchors your new offer to your old compensation, rather than the market rate in your destination country.

What to say instead: "I'm currently focused on finding the right fit for my next career step. Based on my research for this role in [City], my expectation is in the range of [X] to [Y]."

2. Anchor High (With Data)

Use tools like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Otta to research the standard market rate for your specific role and experience level in the destination city.

When providing a range, make your minimum acceptable number the bottom of your stated range.

3. Beyond the Base Salary

Compensation is not just your monthly paycheck. If a company claims they cannot move on the base salary, negotiate other highly valuable elements of the package:

• Relocation Bonus: Essential for immigrants. Negotiate flights, temporary housing, and visa fee coverage for you and your dependents.
• Sign-on Bonus: A one-time cash payment to join.
• Equity/Stock Options: If it's a startup, this can be lucrative. Ensure you understand the vesting schedule.
• Annual Bonus: Performance-based cash bonuses.
• Remote Work/Flexibility: Negotiate work-from-home days.

4. The Power of Silence

When the recruiter delivers the offer on the phone, say thank you, express excitement, and then stop talking.

Do not accept immediately. Ask for the offer in writing so you can "review the details with your family." This gives you 24-48 hours to evaluate the total compensation, calculate taxes, and draft a professional counter-offer email.

Remember: A company that is willing to spend thousands of pounds on visa sponsorship and relocation is not going to rescind an offer just because you asked for a 10% bump in base salary. Negotiate confidently.