87% of Employers Expect You to Negotiate
Yet 55% of candidates accept the first offer. Companies budget for negotiation β when you don't ask, they save money. Here's your complete negotiation playbook.
When to Negotiate (Timing Is Everything)
- New job offer: After receiving the written offer, before signing
- Annual review: 2-3 months before review cycle begins. Start the conversation early.
- After a big win: Just delivered a major project? That's your leverage window.
- Market adjustment: When market data shows you're underpaid (use Levels.fyi, Glassdoor)
The Salary Negotiation Script (Word-for-Word)
"Thank you so much for this offer β I'm genuinely excited about the role and the team. After reviewing the compensation package and benchmarking against market data for this role in [city], I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Based on my [X years of experience] and [specific achievement], I believe a salary of [target number] would be more aligned with the value I'd bring. Is there flexibility to adjust?"
Key Tactics
1. Always Negotiate Base Salary First
Everything compounds on base: bonuses (usually a % of base), 401k match, future raises. A $10K higher base today is worth $50K+ over 5 years.
2. Give a Range, Not a Number
Your range floor should be your actual target. "I'm looking for $130K-$145K" means they'll likely offer $130-135K.
3. Use Competing Offers (If You Have Them)
"I have another offer at [amount], but this role is my strong preference. Is there room to match?"
4. Negotiate Beyond Salary
If they can't move on base salary, negotiate: signing bonus, extra PTO, remote work days, learning budget, equity/RSU refresh, title upgrade.
What to Never Do
- β Never give your current salary (it's illegal to ask in many states/countries)
- β Never say you'll "think about it" without a timeline β "I'll have an answer by Friday"
- β Never apologize for negotiating β it's expected and respected
- β Never threaten to walk unless you're prepared to follow through