Money
How to negotiate a job offer
You’re talking to Elena, the recruiter. The goal: thank her, then ask for more with a reason.
Your first line
Elena starts with “Great news, we’d love to have you! The offer is fifty-two thousand. Can I tell them you accept?”
“Thank you, I’m really excited about this. Before I say yes, I’d like to ask for $58,000. Similar roles near me pay $55,000 to $60,000.”
Number first: thanks, then one specific number and where it came from. After that, stop talking and let her answer.
What Elena might say, and what to say back
Elena: “This is our standard offer for the role.”
You: “I understand. Is there any flexibility? Based on what this role pays nearby, $58,000 feels right.”
Elena: “The budget is pretty fixed.”
You: “Okay. If the base can’t move much, could we look at a sign-on bonus or a pay review at six months?”
Elena: “I do need an answer by Friday.”
You: “That works. Could you take $58,000 to the hiring manager first? I’d like to say yes this week.”
Two things that trip people up
- Saying yes on the spot because she asked.Thank her, show you’re excited, and ask before you accept.
- Giving a range like “somewhere in the mid-fifties.”Once there’s an offer, say one number. The low end of a range is usually what you get.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Elena pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Max, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Number first.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.