Do you want to maximize your chances of negotiating your salary without faltering? The truth is that choosing between a phone call or an in-person meeting is an art. In 2025, with the rise of remote work, this question becomes even more essential. Between us, each option has its advantages, its pitfalls, and above all its own strategy to master so that your message gets across smoothly. If you don’t want to miss this crucial step, you need to understand precisely what each negotiation mode entails, and how to adapt it to your situation.
The strengths and limits of an in-person job interview for negotiating your salary
When you’re invited face to face, it’s a whole world. Salary negotiation also plays out in this zone of direct contact. Proximity, gestures, eye contact — all of that has major power. In fact, nothing can replace the energy of a real face-to-face encounter to convince. By being present, you can instantly pick up your interlocutor’s reaction, adjust your speech, even defuse potential objections in real time.
But this mode also has its constraints. Above all, it requires perfect mastery of your non-verbal communication. A sincere smile, a confident posture, impactful eye contact — all these elements help strengthen your credibility. Yet, if you’re not comfortable in face-to-face situations, this pressure can also make you lose your composure. And don’t forget: organizing an in-person meeting can sometimes require complicated logistics, especially if the recruiter or manager is on the other side of the country.
In terms of argumentation, in-person favors spontaneous interaction. You can react quickly, be creative, and use body language to reinforce your message. It’s also the ideal moment to create a genuine human connection, strengthen your legitimacy, and leave a lasting impression. But, at a time when remote work is establishing itself as the norm, you should also know how to capitalize on its advantages.
The benefits and limits of a phone call for salary negotiation
Let’s move on to the other method: the phone call. The great strength here is simplicity and flexibility. In 2025, this method has become widespread with the development of remote work. It allows you to avoid long distances and save time while remaining professional. The call is also more discreet; you can negotiate without anyone noticing your stress or hesitation.
On the other hand, oral communication alone, without visual cues, has its limits. Nuance, sincerity — all that must come through the voice. You therefore need to take care of your tone, show firmness or softness depending on the context. The key is to build self-confidence so that the recruiter takes you seriously. Strategically, this requires preparing your argument in advance. And above all, choosing the right moment to start the conversation. The call is not the ideal tool if you want to negotiate urgently or if you need to support your points with visual elements, like presentations or charts.
This mode of negotiation also demands clear and impactful communication. Human touch is conveyed mainly through tone, breathing pace, the art of convincing with your voice. It’s an effective technique if you want to keep a certain spontaneity while mastering your speech perfectly.
The strategy adapted to the context: when to favor in-person or phone
It all depends on your situation, the position, your level of self-confidence, and the relationship with the employer. If you’re comfortable with human interaction, and the negotiation concerns a significant raise or a strategic position, the face-to-face meeting is often the best option. It allows you to establish a real emotional connection, read your interlocutor’s eyes, and fully control your argumentation.
On the other hand, if you want to save time, avoid logistics, or your interlocutor shows great availability, the phone call can do the job. In some cases, especially during a first exchange, this step allows you to open the dialogue gently. Afterwards, you can schedule a physical meeting to finalize your negotiations.
The key is to adapt your tactics to the situation. For example, if your interlocutor seems distant or busy, favor the phone. If, on the contrary, they seem engaged and willing to talk at length, in-person will be more effective. Professional communication should also rely on the ability to read the situation and adapt your behavior accordingly.
| Criteria | In-person | Phone call |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity and reading body language | Very high | Minimal |
| Flexibility and time savings | Low | High |
| Impact of non-verbal communication | Significant | Limited |
| Quick decision-making | Variable | Fast |
| Support tools (presentations, tables) | Easily usable | Less suitable |
How to effectively prepare your salary negotiation according to the chosen mode
For your move to action to be a success, preparation must be top-notch, whether you opt for video or phone. The key is to have a solid argument based on pragmatic data, and strengthened self-confidence. In 2025, the ultimate tool remains preparation. You must master the market salary grid, know your minimum objective and your ideal objective, and spot your interlocutor’s pressure point.
If you favor an in-person meeting, prepare your speech as if you were going to play a role. Anticipate possible objections, prepare responses, and don’t forget to practice. Nothing beats good rehearsal to maximize your ease. On a call, concentration is even more crucial. You only have your voice, so invest time in refining your argument to negotiate with fluency and conviction.
In any case, one thing is certain: researching information, providing concrete figures, and mental preparation play a fundamental role in getting your message across. Also give yourself a short relaxation session to avoid stress, especially before an in-person interview or a crucial call.
Lucas Morel
Décrypte les ressorts de la négociation salariale et partage des méthodes concrètes pour obtenir une meilleure rémunération.
