Hiring Insights • 10–12 min read

Negotiating Job Offers: Practical Guidance

Introduction

Negotiating an offer is about creating a shared agreement where both you and the employer feel set up for success. The best negotiations are collaborative, data-informed, and focused on trade-offs rather than demands. This guide walks through preparation, common negotiation levers, conversation scripts, and a checklist to help you approach offers confidently and professionally.

Prepare before you receive an offer

Preparation is your strongest leverage. Research market rates for your role, level, and location using multiple sources (salary surveys, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi for tech roles, and recruiter input). Know your bottom line (minimum acceptable total compensation) and your ideal package. Create a short list of priorities—usually 2–3 items such as base salary, equity, and flexible work arrangements—so you can trade on lower-priority items.

Understand the full offer

When you receive an offer, request the full, written package. Key elements to evaluate:

• Base salary: The guaranteed annual pay.
• Bonuses: Target vs. guaranteed, cadence, and performance conditions.
• Equity: Type (options vs. RSUs), vesting schedule, and strike price.
• Benefits: Health, retirement match, paid time off, parental leave, and any perks (commuter, tuition).
• Start date and notice requirements: Timing can be negotiable and used as a trade-off.
• Role scope / title / reporting: Clarity about responsibilities and promotion path.

Common negotiation levers

If base salary is constrained, you can negotiate other forms of value:

• Sign-on bonus: One-time cash to bridge compensation gaps.
• Equity refresh or larger grant: Especially important for startups and high-growth firms.
• Performance review timing: A committed 6-month review with a compensation review can accelerate raises.
• Flexible work / PTO: Additional vacation days or remote work options.
• Professional development: Conference budgets, training funds, or paid certifications.

How to structure the conversation

Always begin by expressing gratitude and enthusiasm. Use questions and data rather than ultimatums. Example flow:

1. Thank them: "Thank you—I'm excited about the role and the team."
2. Clarify the offer: "Could I get the full breakdown in writing so I can review everything?"
3. State your perspective: "Based on market data and my experience, I'm looking for a base in the range of X–Y or an equivalent total package."
4. Offer trade-offs: "If base isn't flexible, would you consider a sign-on bonus or an earlier performance review?"

Sample scripts

Use short, professional language tailored to your priorities:

• Salary request: "Thank you—I'm excited. Based on market data and my recent role where I [brief result], I'm targeting a base salary of $X–$Y. Is there flexibility to move toward that range?"
• Sign-on alternative: "If base is fixed, would you consider a $Z sign-on bonus to make the transition feasible?"
• Equity focus: "Could we look at an increased initial equity grant or an earlier refresh schedule given the scope of the role?"

Negotiation etiquette and timing

Be prompt—ask for reasonable time to review (48–72 hours is common). Avoid excessive back-and-forth; three rounds is usually enough. Keep conversations respectful and fact-based. If the company cannot meet your needs, it's ok to politely decline—better to find a role aligned with your goals than to accept a poor fit.

When to accept

Accept when the offer meets your minimum requirements and the role supports your career goals. Ensure any verbal promises are documented in writing before you accept. After accepting, confirm start date, onboarding details, and next steps in an email to the recruiter or hiring manager.

Checklist before responding

• Review total compensation and benefits; calculate the first-year realized compensation.
• Confirm equity terms (vesting, cliffs, strike price, refresh cadence).
• Decide your top 2–3 negotiables (e.g., base, sign-on, review timeline).
• Prepare market data and a brief justification for your requests.
• Have a target range and a minimum acceptable figure.

Conclusion

Negotiation is a skill you refine with practice. Do your research, focus on total compensation, and use clear, polite language. Frame requests around value, provide context for your asks, and be open to creative solutions like signing bonuses or accelerated reviews.