Introduction
You’ve got the offer. The salary looks decent. But something inside you wonders: “Can I ask for more?”
You’re not alone. Over 55% of professionals in the U.S. accept offers without negotiating, often leaving thousands of dollars on the table. In the competitive American job market, negotiation isn’t a luxury, it’s a survival skill.
This guide gives you the confidence, scripts, and practical tips to negotiate better, even if you’ve never done it before.
1. Understand the Offer First
Before you negotiate, break the offer down:
Base Salary
Bonus (Annual, Performance-based)
Equity (RSUs, stock options)
Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k), etc.)
Sign-on Bonus
Other perks (remote work, learning budgets, PTO)
Ask for a complete compensation breakdown if it’s not provided. Glassdoor’s Salary Tool can help you understand benchmarks.
2. When Should You Negotiate?
You’ve done market research and know the offer is below standard
You have another competing offer
You bring unique skills or certifications
You’re switching industries or locations (and the cost of living is higher)
Refer to Payscale’s Salary Comparison Tool for detailed role-based comparisons.
3. What Can You Negotiate?
Negotiation isn’t just about salary. Consider:
Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Stock/equity
Remote work/flexibility
PTO (Paid Time Off)
Relocation assistance
Learning & development budget
Use Levels.fyi for role-specific compensation trends in tech roles.
4. How to Prepare
Research: Use Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Blind, and Payscale
Practice: Rehearse your tone and ask with a friend or mentor
Know Your BATNA: What will you do if they say no?
5. Negotiation Scripts
📧 Email Script to Start the Conversation
"Hi [Recruiter Name],
Thank you again for the offer. I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity and the team.
After reviewing the compensation details and doing some market research, I was hoping we could revisit the base salary. Based on my skills, experience, and the industry benchmarks, I was expecting something in the range of [desired salary].
Let me know if there's flexibility here. I'm confident we can arrive at a mutually beneficial arrangement."
☎️ Call/Zoom Conversation (Live Script)
"Thank you so much for the offer. I'm thrilled about the role.
I’ve taken some time to evaluate everything, and based on market research and my experience, I’d love to discuss the possibility of adjusting the [base salary/sign-on/equity]. Is there flexibility on that front?"
6. Mistakes to Avoid
Negotiating without doing research
Sounding entitled or confrontational
Saying "I need this because of personal reasons"
Disclosing your current salary (illegal in many U.S. states — see Salary History Ban Laws)
Accepting too quickly without evaluating the offer
7. Final Tips
Always ask for revised offers in writing
If you’re nervous, write a script and rehearse
Be polite, professional, and firm
Remember: they expect you to negotiate
Call to Action
If you’ve negotiated successfully, or learned the hard way, drop your story in the comments to help others.
Negotiation isn’t pressure. It’s partnership.
You deserve to be paid what you’re worth.
If you think this is useful, then share it with someone who can benefit from it.
Read More: How to Write a Winning Resume Summary Statement (Step-by-Step Guide & Examples)
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