salary-negotiation-prep

Subject: [Your Name] - Offer Discussion

Hi [Recruiter/Hiring Manager],

Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company] as [Title]. I'm very excited about the opportunity to [specific thing about the role]. After speaking with the team and learning more about [something specific], I'm confident this is the right fit.

I've had time to review the offer details and wanted to discuss the compensation. Based on my research of the market and my [X years of experience / specific valuable skill / competing offer], I was hoping we could discuss a base salary of $[Your Ask] rather than $[Their Offer].

[Optional: Add specific justification - e.g., "I've seen similar roles at [comparable companies] in this range" or "Given the scope of the role and my track record of [specific achievement], I believe this reflects my value."]

I'm flexible and open to discussing other elements of the package as well. Would you have time for a quick call to discuss?

Thank you again for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to finding a package that works for both of us.

Best,
[Your Name]

"Hi [Name], thanks for making time. I'm really excited about this opportunity - [genuine specific reason].

I've reviewed the offer and want to discuss compensation. Based on my market research and [X years experience / key accomplishment / competing offer], I was hoping for a base salary closer to $[Amount].

Is there flexibility there?"

[LISTEN - Let them respond]

[If they push back:]
"I understand there are constraints. I'm flexible - could we look at other elements like signing bonus, equity, or [other element] to bridge the gap?"

[If they say they'll need to check:]
"That's totally fair. When would be a good time to reconnect?"

"I'm thrilled about the opportunity. The base salary is lower than I expected based on my research. For this role and market, I was expecting something in the $X-$Y range. Is there room to move closer to $X?"

"I'm flexible and focused on finding the right fit. What's the range you've budgeted for this role?"

"Based on my research for this role and market, I'm looking at $X-$Y, but I'm open to discussing the full compensation picture."

"I understand the base salary is firm. Could we discuss a signing bonus to help bridge the gap? Something in the range of $X would make this work."

"I want to be transparent - I'm also in discussions with [another company/a few other companies]. They're offering $X. [Your Company] is my first choice because [genuine reason], but I want to make sure the compensation is competitive."

"I'd prefer to focus on the value I'd bring to this role and what the market rate is. What's the range you've budgeted?"

"My current compensation isn't really comparable since [different location/role/structure]. Based on my research for this role, I'm targeting $X-$Y."

## OFFER COMPARISON
 
| Component | Company A | Company B | Notes |
|-----------|-----------|-----------|-------|
| Base Salary | $150,000 | $140,000 | A wins |
| Target Bonus | 15% ($22,500) | 20% ($28,000) | B wins |
| Signing Bonus | $20,000 | $10,000 | A wins |
| Equity (annual) | $50,000 | $75,000 | B wins |
| 401k Match | 4% ($6,000) | 6% ($8,400) | B wins |
| Benefits | Standard | Premium | B wins |
| WFH | Hybrid (3 days) | Full remote | B wins |
| Vacation | 3 weeks | Unlimited | Depends |
 
**Year 1 Total Comp:**
Company A: $248,500
Company B: $261,400
 
**Analysis:** Company B is higher total comp, but Company A has higher base which affects future raises and mortgage qualification.

Day 1: Receive offer
- Thank them, express enthusiasm
- Ask for offer in writing
- Ask deadline for response

Day 1-3: Research
- Verify market rate
- Calculate total comp
- Identify priorities
- Prepare counter-offer

Day 3-5: Counter
- Send counter-offer email or schedule call
- Be specific about ask

Day 5-10: Discussion
- May require several rounds
- Be patient but responsive
- Stay professional and positive

Day 10+: Resolution
- Agree on terms
- Get everything in writing
- Sign and celebrate!

# SALARY NEGOTIATION STRATEGY
 
## Market Research Summary
**Role:** [Title]
**Location:** [City/Remote]
**Experience Level:** [Years]
 
**Market Range:**
- 25th percentile: $XXX,XXX
- 50th percentile: $XXX,XXX (target)
- 75th percentile: $XXX,XXX
- 90th percentile: $XXX,XXX (stretch)
 
**Sources:** [List sources used]
 
## Their Offer
| Component | Amount |
|-----------|--------|
| Base | $XXX,XXX |
| Bonus | X% |
| Equity | $XXX,XXX |
| Signing | $XXX |
| Total Year 1 | $XXX,XXX |
 
## Your Counter
| Component | Ask | Justification |
|-----------|-----|---------------|
| Base | $XXX,XXX | [Why] |
| Signing | $XXX | [Why] |
| [Other] | | |
 
## Counter-Offer Script
[Email template or call script customized for this situation]
 
## If They Push Back
**Plan B:** [Alternative elements to negotiate]
**Walk-away Point:** [Your minimum]
 
## Key Talking Points
1. [Your experience/value point]
2. [Market data point]
3. [Specific achievement]
 
## Questions to Clarify
- [Equity vesting schedule?]
- [Bonus guaranteed?]
- [Review cycle timeline?]