Negotiating your salary can feel daunting—especially when working abroad. Differences in workplace culture, language barriers, and limited knowledge of local employment practices can make the process more complex.
However, in Slovakia, salary negotiations are both common and expected. In this section, we’ll explore how to prepare for salary negotiations in Slovakia and what you can reasonably expect during the process.
When to Negotiate?
- Before signing an employment contract – The initial offer is rarely the final one. If you have relevant skills or experience, it is entirely appropriate to discuss salary before accepting a role—typically during the job interview. You may also request some time to consider the offer before making a decision.
- After the probationary period or following a promotion – These are ideal opportunities to raise the subject of salary.
- After delivering significant results – If you have added clear value to the company—for instance, by successfully completing a key project or taking on additional responsibilities—you have a solid basis for requesting a pay rise.
How to prepare
Use salary comparison websites such as Platy.sk or Profesia.sk to explore typical salary ranges in your sector and region. Reflect on the value you bring to the company—this could include your experience, language skills, specialist knowledge, or previous results.
Prepare a summary of your achievements. Support your case with concrete facts, figures, positive feedback, or measurable outcomes. Don’t overlook soft skills such as reliability, adaptability, and the ability to work independently, as these also add value.
How to negotiate – Practical tips
Be well-prepared with clear, compelling arguments. For instance, did you lead a successful project or secure a significant investment for the company? Summarise your recent achievements and back them up with specific figures and concrete examples.
Set realistic expectations. Establish a reasonable salary range based on your research, and avoid requesting an unreasonable increase.
Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Avoid basing your salary request on personal reasons, such as “I have a lot of expenses.” Instead, focus on the value you bring to the company. Highlight how your skills, achievements, and contributions benefit the organisation, and why you deserve a salary increase.
Rehearsing your key points will boost your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared for the negotiation.
Avoid ultimatums. Statements like “If you don’t give me a raise, I’ll quit” may yield short-term results, but they can damage your relationship with your employer in the long run.
What if your employer says “no”?
Don’t be discouraged. This is an opportunity to ask for specific feedback on what you need to do to achieve the salary you’re aiming for. You could also propose a salary review after 3-6 months to revisit the discussion.
Negotiating your salary is not something to feel uncomfortable about; it’s an accepted and expected part of the workplace culture in Slovakia. Be prepared, confident, and courteous. Remember, a refusal is not personal.
This article was produced as part of the Pathways initiative supported by UNICEF. For more information about the project, please visit UNICEF’s digital one–stop-shop: https://akodobrezesi.sk/ua/
