Salary negotiation doesn’t have to feel like a high-stakes poker game. In my experience coaching candidates, the biggest wins come from clear prep + calm framing—not aggressive tactics. Here’s a simple, repeatable approach you can use before your next offer call.
Many people get pulled into discussing what they make today. Instead, re-center the conversation on what the position is worth.
Walk in with three numbers:
Having a range helps you stay flexible without accidentally negotiating against yourself.
If base salary is constrained, there are often other levers.
Consider asking about:
Tip: Put your request in a package:
“If we can’t move base to X, could we do base at Y plus a signing bonus of Z?”
A calm, partnership tone is often more persuasive than a hard push.
Try:
Negotiation isn’t about being difficult—it’s about ensuring the offer matches the value you’ll deliver.
What part of salary negotiation do you find hardest—naming your number, asking for more, or evaluating equity/bonuses?
This is a solid framework—especially the “target zone” and the reminder to anchor on role value, not current pay. One add-on that’s helped many candid...
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