Salary & Negotiation Guide

Never name a number first

When asked your expectations early, deflect: ask for the budgeted range for the role. Whoever says a number first sets the anchor — and it's usually too low. If forced, give a researched range, not a single figure.

Negotiate total compensation, not just base

Base salary, signing bonus, annual bonus, equity/RSUs, and benefits are all levers. If base is capped, a company can often move on a signing bonus or equity. Always evaluate the whole package.

Anchor high, but justify it

Counter above your target so the midpoint lands where you want. Back it with market data (Levels.fyi / Glassdoor), competing offers, and the specific value you bring — not 'I need more.'

Always counter — at least once

Most first offers have built-in room. A polite, data-backed counter rarely loses an offer and frequently adds 10–20%. Recruiters expect it; not countering can even look naive.

Use silence and time

After stating your counter, stop talking. Don't fill the silence by negotiating against yourself. Ask for a few days to consider an offer — urgency pressure is a tactic, not a deadline.

Get every promise in writing

Verbal commitments on bonus, title, remote work, or a 6-month review mean nothing until they're in the offer letter. Politely ask for written confirmation before you accept.

Leverage competing offers honestly

A genuine competing offer is the strongest lever. Never bluff a fake one — it can be verified and it destroys trust. If you have one, share the number and ask if they can match.

Don't disclose your current salary

In many regions you're not obligated to. Anchoring your offer to a low current salary caps your raise. Redirect to your expectations based on the role's market value.

When: Recruiter asks your expectations in the first screening call.

Thanks for asking! I'd love to learn more about the role's scope and the team before discussing numbers. Could you share the budgeted compensation range for this position? I'm confident we can find a fair fit if it's the right match.

When: They insist on a number before moving forward.

Based on my research for this role, my experience, and the market for [role] in [city], I'm targeting a total compensation in the range of [X] to [Y]. I'm flexible depending on the overall package, including bonus and equity. Does that align with the band for this role?

When: You have a written offer and want to negotiate up.

Hi [Recruiter], thank you so much for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about joining [Company] and working on [team/problem]. Based on my research and the value I'll bring in [specific skill/impact], I was hoping for a total compensation closer to [target]. Is there flexibility on the base or the signing bonus to get us there? I'm very keen to make this work.

When: You have another genuine offer in hand.

Hi [Recruiter], I wanted to be transparent — I've received another offer at [total comp]. [Company] is my top choice because of [specific reason], and I'd love to accept. If you're able to match or come close on total compensation, I'm ready to sign right away.

When: You're being pressured to accept quickly.

Thank you for the offer — it means a lot. This is an important decision and I want to give it the consideration it deserves. Could I have until [date, ~1 week out] to finalize? I'm very enthusiastic about the role and expect to have an answer by then.

When: You've agreed and want it locked in.

Hi [Recruiter], I'm thrilled to formally accept the offer for [role] at [Company]! Just to confirm the terms we discussed: base of [X], signing bonus of [Y], equity of [Z], and a start date of [date]. Please send the updated letter and I'll sign right away. Looking forward to joining the team!