Negotiating Your Job Offer
Master the art of salary and benefits negotiation to get the compensation you deserve.
Negotiating your job offer is one of the highest-leverage activities you can do in your career. A successful negotiation can result in tens of thousands of dollars in additional compensation—and set the baseline for future raises.
Yet many candidates skip this crucial step, leaving money on the table out of fear or uncertainty. This guide will give you the confidence and tactics to negotiate effectively.
The Complete Negotiation Process
Preparation
Research Market Rates
Know what similar roles pay in your market and industry
- Check salary data on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and PayScale
- Talk to recruiters about typical comp ranges
- Use our Salary Insights tool for real market data
- Factor in location, experience, and company size
Know Your Worth
Calculate your walk-away number and ideal target
- Calculate your minimum acceptable salary
- Determine your target salary (15-20% above minimum)
- Consider total compensation, not just base salary
- Factor in your unique skills and experience
Initial Offer
Receive with Grace
Express appreciation regardless of the numbers
- Thank them for the offer enthusiastically
- Ask for the offer in writing if verbal
- Request 24-48 hours to review
- Avoid accepting or declining immediately
Evaluate Thoroughly
Look at the complete compensation package
- Review base salary, bonus, and equity
- Understand benefits, PTO, and perks
- Calculate total compensation value
- Compare against your research and requirements
Negotiation
Make Your Counter
Present your case confidently and professionally
- Start with specific numbers backed by research
- Focus on your value and market data
- Be prepared to discuss each component
- Stay positive and collaborative
Handle Objections
Work through concerns and find creative solutions
- Listen carefully to their constraints
- Propose alternative solutions
- Consider non-salary benefits
- Be willing to compromise strategically
Closing
Reach Agreement
Finalize terms and get everything in writing
- Confirm all agreed-upon terms
- Get a revised offer letter
- Review carefully before signing
- Ask questions about anything unclear
Accept Professionally
Close out your job search on a high note
- Sign and return offer letter promptly
- Provide proper notice to current employer
- Withdraw from other interview processes gracefully
- Prepare for your new role
What You Can Negotiate
Base Salary
Your fixed annual compensation
Tip: Easiest to negotiate upfront. Use market data to support your ask.
Signing Bonus
One-time payment upon joining
Tip: Great if base salary is capped. Often used to offset lost bonuses.
Equity/Stock
Company ownership through options or RSUs
Tip: More negotiable at startups. Understand vesting schedule.
Annual Bonus
Performance-based yearly payment
Tip: Often tied to company policy. Focus on target percentage.
Vacation/PTO
Paid time off for vacation and sick days
Tip: More flexible at smaller companies. Specify in offer letter.
Remote Work
Flexibility to work from home
Tip: Increasingly negotiable post-pandemic. Define expectations clearly.
Start Date
When you begin your new role
Tip: Almost always negotiable. Give proper notice to current employer.
Professional Development
Budget for courses, conferences, certifications
Tip: Show how it benefits the company. Get specific commitments.
What to Say: Sample Scripts
Initial Counter Offer
"Thank you so much for the offer! I'm very excited about the opportunity. Based on my research of similar roles in this market and my X years of experience in [specific skill], I was hoping we could discuss a base salary of $[target]. Does that work within your budget?"
When Salary is Non-Negotiable
"I understand the base salary is fixed. Would there be flexibility in other areas like the signing bonus, equity package, or additional PTO? I want to make sure the total compensation aligns with my expectations."
Negotiating Multiple Components
"I'd like to discuss a few components: bringing the base to $[X], increasing the signing bonus to $[Y] to offset my current year-end bonus, and confirming I can work remotely 3 days per week. Is this package feasible?"
Declining Politely
"I really appreciate the offer and your time throughout this process. Unfortunately, after careful consideration, I don't think I can accept at this compensation level. If you're able to move to $[X], I'd love to join the team. Otherwise, I'll need to respectfully decline."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Accepting the first offer without negotiating
- Not knowing your market value before negotiating
- Negotiating before receiving a written offer
- Being aggressive or making ultimatums
- Only focusing on salary and ignoring other benefits
- Lying about competing offers or current compensation
- Negotiating via email when a call would be better
- Accepting/declining before getting everything in writing
Key Takeaways
- Always negotiate—most employers expect it and respect candidates who do
- Do your research and know your market value before any conversation
- Focus on the total compensation package, not just base salary
- Stay positive, professional, and collaborative throughout the process