First: do not accept on the spot
Enthusiasm plus a pause is not rudeness. "That's great news, thank you. Could you send it in writing and I'll confirm by tomorrow?" is a completely normal sentence that buys you a day to think.
← Getting hired
Negotiating
Negotiating pay, hours and the offer
The offer is a conversation, not a verdict. How to ask for more without risking the job — and what to ask for when pay is fixed.
About 9 minutes · Step 4 of 5 in getting hired
Know your three numbers
Before you talk money, decide these privately and write them down.
- The market rate — check two or three comparable adverts locally.
- Your target — usually 5–10% above the offer, or the top of their advertised band.
- Your walk-away — the number below which the job costs you more than it pays, once travel and childcare are counted.
Ask once, clearly, then stop talking
Give a reason tied to value, name a specific number, then be quiet and let them respond. Silence after your ask is the most useful tool you have.
When the rate genuinely can't move
In many hourly roles the rate is fixed by a pay scale. That does not end the negotiation — it moves it.
- Guaranteed minimum hours per week rather than fully variable shifts.
- A written review at three months with a specific rate attached.
- Paid training, certification (food hygiene, first aid, forklift) or a uniform allowance.
- Shift preferences, predictable schedule notice, or a travel contribution.
Get it in writing before you resign anything
Check the written offer for: rate, contracted hours, probation length, required notice, paid time off, start date and who you report to. If a verbal promise isn't in there, ask politely for it to be added.
Say this, not that
Language you can borrow.
The pause
Weaker
“Yes! Yes, absolutely, I'll take it, whatever it is.”
Stronger
“That's brilliant news — thank you. Could you send the details in writing? I'll come back to you tomorrow morning.”
Why it works: Keeps the goodwill and keeps your options open for 24 hours.
The ask
Weaker
“Is there maybe any chance of a bit more, if that's okay? Sorry.”
Stronger
“I'm really keen to take this. Based on comparable roles locally and the fact I'm already food-handler certified, I was hoping for $16.50 an hour. Is there room to get there?”
Why it works: One reason, one number, one question — then stop.
When they say no
Weaker
“Okay, no worries, forget I asked.”
Stronger
“Understood, thanks for being straight with me. Could we agree a review at three months, with $16.50 on the table if I'm hitting the mark? I'd be glad to have that in the offer letter.”
Why it works: Accepts gracefully and converts the no into a dated, written second chance.
Before you move on
- Checked two or three comparable local adverts
- Target and walk-away numbers written down before the call
- Asked once, with a reason and a specific number
- Non-pay items considered: hours, review date, training, travel
- Full written offer received and read before accepting