The Complete Job Offer Negotiation Guide
Learn exactly how to research your worth, evaluate equity packages, and use our proven scripts to negotiate a higher salary with confidence.
Free Negotiation Tools
Negotiation Script Generator
Create personalized emails to ask for more money.
Offer Comparison Template
Spreadsheet to compare salary, equity, and benefits.
Evaluating the Total Package
Salary is just one number. A truly great offer includes equity, bonuses, benefits, and flexibility.
Base Salary & Cash
Equity & Long Term
Benefits & Health
Lifestyle & Growth
Market Research Strategy
Where to find reliable data
Pro Tip: Always look for the median, not the average. Filter by your specific city, as cost of living can swing salaries by 20-30%.
Negotiation Scripts
The "Market Adjustment" Email
Use this when their offer is lower than your research suggests.
However, after doing some market research for similar roles in [City], I found the typical base salary range is between $X and $Y. Given my experience with [Specific Skill], I was hoping we could get closer to $Z.
Is there any flexibility in the budget to bridge this gap?"
The "Benefits Trade" (Phone)
Use this when they say the salary is fixed/non-negotiable.
Specifically, I'd value an extra week of PTO or a signing bonus to help with my transition. These would make the offer an easy 'yes' for me."
Negotiation Pitfalls
Negotiating Too Soon
Never negotiate until you have a written offer in hand. You have zero leverage before they decide they want you.
Focusing on Personal Needs
Don't say 'I need more for my rent.' Say ' The market value for this role is X.' Keep it business, not personal.
Accepting Immediately
Always ask for 24-48 hours to review the full details, even if it's your dream job. It shows professionalism.
Giving Ultimatums
Avoid 'Take it or leave it.' Instead use 'Is there any flexibility?' to keep the conversation collaborative.
Don't settle for less.
Use our salary research tool to find out exactly what you're worth before you sign that contract.