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How do you negotiate your first salary when you have no current salary to anchor on?
Anchor on market data for the role and city, not on a past salary you do not have. First check whether the offer is a fixed graduate rate or a band. A fixed rate rarely moves, so ask about start date, location or relocation help. A band can move with one polite, evidence-based ask.
4 min readUpdated 2026-10-10
Answer
Short answer
Anchor on the market, not on yourself. A first job has no past salary to compare with, so your reference is what this kind of role pays in this city. Before any salary negotiation, work out whether you have a fixed graduate rate or a band. A fixed rate rarely moves, but the start date, location or relocation help often can. A band can move with one polite ask backed by evidence.
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Likely follow-ups
- The recruiter says every graduate on the programme gets the same package. What do you ask next?
- You have a competing offer with a higher base. How do you raise it without sounding like a threat?
- What would you say if asked for your expected salary before any offer is made?
- Which market sources would you trust least for a graduate salary, and why?
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