Salary Negotiation Strategies
Learn how to confidently negotiate job offers and maximize your compensation. These proven strategies help you get paid what you truly deserve.
employers expect candidates to negotiate
increase from successful negotiation
people who negotiate receive more
Step 1: Research Market Rates
Before any negotiation, you need data. Research salary ranges for your role, experience level, location, and industry using multiple sources:
Glassdoor
Company-specific salary reports from employees
Levels.fyi
Detailed tech compensation data including equity
LinkedIn Salary
Industry benchmarks based on member data
Payscale
Salary data adjusted for cost of living
Blind
Anonymous verified tech compensation sharing
Industry Reports
Annual salary surveys from recruiting firms
Step 2: The Negotiation Framework
Always start by thanking them for the offer and expressing genuine excitement about the role. This sets a collaborative tone.
"Thank you so much for this offer. I'm really excited about the opportunity to join [Company] and contribute to [specific project/team]. I'd like to discuss the compensation package."
State your desired number and immediately support it with research and your unique value.
"Based on my research and the market rate for this role in [location], combined with my [X years of experience / specific skill / achievement], I was hoping for a base salary of $X. Is there flexibility in the budget?"
If base salary is firm, negotiate other components. Often there's more flexibility here.
• Signing bonus
• Annual bonus percentage
• Stock options / RSUs
• Start date
• Remote work flexibility
• Vacation days
• Professional development budget
• Title / level
Handle Common Scenarios
"What are your salary expectations?"
Deflect if possible: "I'm focused on finding the right fit. Can you share the budgeted range for this role?" If pressed, give a range based on research: "Based on my research, I'm targeting $X-$Y."
"This offer is non-negotiable"
Respectfully push back: "I understand there may be constraints on base salary. Are there other aspects of the package that have flexibility—like signing bonus, equity, or start date?"
"We need an answer by tomorrow"
Don't cave to pressure: "I'm very interested in this role and want to give it proper consideration. Could I have until [reasonable date] to make a thoughtful decision?"
Golden Rules of Negotiation
Never accept on the spot
Always ask for time to consider, even if you love the offer.
Get it in writing
Don't celebrate until you have the final offer letter.
Be collaborative, not adversarial
Frame it as working together to find a solution.
Know your walk-away number
Decide your minimum acceptable offer before negotiating.
Practice beforehand
Role-play the conversation so you're confident when it matters.
Silence is powerful
After stating your ask, resist the urge to fill silence.
Practice Your Negotiation Skills
Use our AI salary negotiation simulator to practice different scenarios and build confidence before your real negotiation.