How to Negotiate Salary After Receiving an Offer
Negotiating isn’t greedy – it’s expected. Learn when to negotiate, what to say, and how to maximize your compensation package without risking the offer.
When and How to Start Negotiating
The Negotiation Timeline
- Receive offer: Express gratitude and enthusiasm
- Ask for time: “I’d like to review the full offer”
- Research: Confirm market rates for your role
- Counter: Make your case professionally
- Discuss: Be open to alternatives
- Decide: Accept, negotiate more, or decline
Researching Market Salary
- Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, PayScale
- Industry-specific salary surveys
- Recruiters in your field
- Professional networks and peers
Sample Negotiation Script
“Thank you so much for this offer – I’m genuinely excited about joining [Company]. After reviewing the compensation package and comparing it to market data for similar roles, I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Based on my [X years] of experience and [specific skills], I believe a salary of [$X] would be more aligned with the value I’ll bring. Is there flexibility in the budget?”
If They Can’t Increase Salary
Negotiate other elements:
- Signing bonus
- Extra PTO days
- Remote work flexibility
- Earlier performance review
- Professional development budget
- Stock options or equity
When to Accept
- The counter-offer meets your minimum
- Non-salary benefits make up the difference
- The opportunity is worth the trade-off
- You’ve negotiated in good faith
Frequently Asked Questions
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