Salary negotiation isn’t just about pushing for a higher number—it’s about understanding your total package and trading thoughtfully. If you’re heading into an offer call (or planning a raise conversation), here are practical ways to increase your compensation without turning it into a standoff.
Before you counter, sanity-check your ask against market-rate data:
Tip: Use a range you can defend, and anchor it with value: “Based on market data and the scope of X, I’m targeting $A–$B.”
Many candidates leave money on the table by focusing only on base. Ask for a breakdown of:
Tip: If base is capped, shift to other levers (bonus, equity, sign-on).
If the recruiter says, “Base is fixed,” respond with options:
Keep it collaborative: “If base can’t move, what can we adjust to get closer to the total comp target?”
Decision-makers love clarity. Structure your counter like this:
Example:
Equity can sound big but be worth less than expected.
If your current company counters, consider:
Your tone matters as much as your numbers. Aim for confident, concise, and friendly. Rehearse your lines once or twice so you don’t over-explain.
When you negotiate, which lever feels hardest for you—base, bonus, equity, or benefits—and what’s one sentence you could practice to ask for it confidently?
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