Salary negotiation doesn’t have to feel like a confrontation—it’s a business conversation about value, scope, and trade-offs. Here’s a practical framework you can use to ask confidently, stay collaborative, and improve your outcome.
Before you talk money, get clear on two things:
Tip: Don’t anchor on a single salary number. Anchor on a range backed by data.
When you get the offer (or when you’re discussing comp mid-process), try:
“Thanks—I'm excited about the role. Based on the scope we discussed and market data for similar positions, I was targeting $X–$Y. Is there flexibility to get closer to that range?”
Then pause. Let them respond.
You can redirect politely:
Base salary matters, but many offers have levers. Ask for a full compensation breakdown:
Quick win: If they can’t move base, ask for a signing bonus or a compensation review in 6 months tied to clear goals.
Sometimes it really is final—sometimes it’s just a test. Respond with curiosity:
If you’ve negotiated before (or avoided it), what’s the hardest part for you—naming a number, handling pushback, or deciding when to walk away?
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