How to negotiate your salary
Many people accept the first salary offered because they feel uncomfortable negotiating. But most employers expect some negotiation and will often have room to move. Not asking could mean leaving money on the table.
Before the conversation, research what similar roles pay. Use salary data from job listings, industry reports, and tools like Glassdoor to establish a realistic range. Then decide on your target figure and the minimum you'd accept.
When making your case, focus on the value you bring rather than what you need. Explain how your skills and experience justify the figure you're asking for. Be confident but not aggressive. Something like "Based on my experience and the market rate for this role, I was hoping for a salary closer to £X" is direct without being confrontational. If they can't meet your number, ask about other benefits like extra holiday, flexible working, or a salary review after six months.
Understanding employee benefits
Salary is important, but it's not the whole picture. Employee benefits can add significant value to your overall compensation package and are worth considering carefully when evaluating a job offer.
Common benefits in the UK include pension contributions (your employer is legally required to contribute at least 3%), holiday entitlement (the minimum is 28 days including bank holidays for full-time workers), sick pay, and parental leave. Many companies also offer extras like private health insurance, gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, or learning and development budgets.
When comparing offers, look at the full package rather than just the headline salary. A role paying £2,000 less but offering an extra five days of holiday, a better pension, and flexible working might actually be the better deal.
Your rights at work
Every employee in the UK has basic rights from day one, including protection from discrimination, the right to a written statement of employment terms, the right to be paid at least the national minimum wage, and the right to work in a safe environment.
After two years of continuous employment, you gain additional rights including protection from unfair dismissal and the right to redundancy pay. Understanding these timelines can help you make informed decisions about your career.
If you believe your rights are being violated, document everything and seek advice. ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) offers free, impartial advice on workplace disputes and is a good first point of contact. Citizens Advice can also help with employment issues.
Work life balance
A healthy work life balance isn't a luxury. It's essential for your long-term wellbeing and productivity. If you're consistently working late, checking emails on weekends, or feeling unable to switch off, something needs to change.
Start by setting boundaries. Decide on a time when you stop working each day and stick to it. Turn off notifications outside working hours if you can. Use your full holiday entitlement. These things sound simple, but they make a real difference over time.
If your workload is genuinely unmanageable, raise it with your manager. Most employers would rather know about the problem than lose a good employee to burnout. Frame it as a practical issue and suggest solutions rather than just listing complaints.
How to ask for a pay rise
Asking for a pay rise takes confidence, but if you've been performing well and your responsibilities have grown, it's a reasonable conversation to have. The key is timing and preparation.
Choose a good moment. Performance reviews are the natural time to raise the topic, but you don't have to wait for one. After completing a successful project, taking on additional responsibilities, or hitting a significant milestone are all good opportunities.
Come prepared with evidence. List your achievements, any additional responsibilities you've taken on, and how your performance has benefited the team or company. If possible, include specific numbers. Then state what you're looking for clearly and give your manager time to respond. They may need to discuss it internally before giving you an answer.
How to resign from your job
Resigning can feel awkward, but handling it professionally protects your reputation and preserves relationships you might need later. Always resign in person if possible, then follow up with a formal resignation letter or email.
Give the correct notice period as stated in your contract. Keep your resignation letter brief and professional. Thank your employer for the opportunity, state your leaving date, and offer to help with the transition. You don't need to explain your reasons in detail.
During your notice period, continue to do your job well. Hand over your responsibilities thoroughly, document any processes that only you manage, and leave things in good order for whoever takes over. How you leave a job is remembered just as much as how you performed in it.
