Salary & Negotiation

Salary Negotiation: Get What You Deserve

Most people accept the first offer they get. That's a mistake that compounds over your entire career. A single negotiation done well can be worth $100K+ over 10 years.

The truth about salary negotiation

Companies expect you to negotiate. The person who made the offer almost certainly has a range with room above the number they gave you. They started lower than their max on purpose.

Negotiating professionally — with data and grace — will not get your offer rescinded. In 15 years of hiring data, well-framed negotiations almost never backfire.

The only way to leave money on the table is to not ask.

When to Negotiate

After you have a written or verbal offer

This is the moment of maximum leverage. They've decided they want you. Now is the time.

When you have competing offers

Multiple offers dramatically increase your leverage — use them (honestly).

When you've done your market research

Come in anchored to data, not just gut feeling. 'Based on market data...' is more powerful than 'I want more.'

NOT during the application or screening phase

Discussing salary too early makes you look mercenary and can screen you out before you've built value.

NOT after you've already accepted

Once you've verbally accepted, renegotiating damages your relationship before day one.

Exact Scripts for Every Situation

The exact words to use — adapted from thousands of successful negotiations.

When they ask your expected salary (early in the process)

"I'd love to learn more about the full scope of the role before I anchor on a number — I want to make sure I'm considering the total compensation package. Can you share the range budgeted for this position?"

Why:Deflects early anchoring to your disadvantage without being difficult.

When they make an offer

"Thank you — I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity. Before I respond, can I take 24-48 hours to review the full details?"

Why:Never accept or reject on the spot. Always buy time to think.

Countering the offer

"I'm very excited about this role and the team. Based on my research into comparable roles and my [X years of relevant experience / specific skill], I was expecting something closer to [$X]. Is there flexibility there?"

Why:Grounds your counter in data, not just desire. Shows you're reasonable.

When they say 'that's our maximum'

"I understand. Are there other parts of the package that have more flexibility? I'm thinking about things like signing bonus, equity, remote flexibility, or professional development budget."

Why:Pivots to the full compensation picture when base is fixed.

When you have a competing offer

"I want to be transparent — I have another offer I'm evaluating at [$X]. But this role is genuinely my first choice. Is there anything you can do to make this easier for me?"

Why:Leverage without ultimatum. Only use this if you actually have another offer.

Accepting the offer

"I'm thrilled to accept. I want to confirm: [repeat the specific numbers]. I'll look forward to the written offer and sign once I receive it."

Why:Always confirm verbally agreed terms and wait for it in writing.

How to Research Market Rates

Negotiation without data is just guessing. Here's how to know your number before you walk in.

Check multiple salary sources

Levels.fyi (tech), LinkedIn Salary, Glassdoor, and Payscale all have different coverage. Use at least 3 sources and triangulate a range.

Filter for recency and relevance

Salary data from 3 years ago is near-worthless in tech. Filter for data from the last 12 months, same title, same company size, same location.

Talk to people in the role

LinkedIn outreach to people 1 level above you at target companies. 'I'm researching this type of role — would you mind sharing what the range looks like?' is often answered honestly.

Know what the total package looks like

Base salary is often 50-70% of total compensation at tech companies. Understand RSU vesting schedules, 401k match, signing bonus, annual bonus, and benefits.

Set your target and your walk-away number

Before any negotiation, know: (a) your target, (b) what you'd happily accept, and (c) the number where you'd walk away. The walk-away number is non-negotiable with yourself.