Get negotiation scripts for HR calls, interview salary questions, and post-offer counteroffers—plus email templates you can copy and send.
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"Based on my experience and market ranges, I'm targeting $135k–$150k for this role."
Complete conversation flow: opening, anchor, value proof, ask, and close with timeline.
Professional email you can copy, personalize, and send to HR or hiring manager.
What to ask, when to follow up, and how to trade across base/bonus/equity/benefits.
Salary negotiation isn't about being aggressive—it's about being prepared. Follow this framework:
Use Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, or Blind to find market rates for your role, level, and location. Know what's fair before you negotiate.
Say "$135k–$150k" instead of "$140k". A range shows flexibility and makes it easier for HR to say yes.
Don't just ask for more money. Explain why: "I led 3 product launches with 40% revenue growth" or "I have 5 years of experience in this exact domain."
After you ask, stop talking. Let them respond. Silence is uncomfortable but powerful—don't fill it with apologies or backtracking.
If base is fixed, negotiate bonus, equity, sign-on, PTO, remote flexibility, or start date. Total compensation matters more than base alone.
If a recruiter or hiring manager asks about salary expectations during an interview (before you have an offer), you have 3 options:
"I'd love to discuss compensation once we've aligned on the role and scope. Right now, I'm more focused on understanding the responsibilities and how I can contribute. Can you tell me more about the team structure and key priorities?"
When to use: Early-stage interviews when you don't have enough information yet.
"Based on my experience and market ranges for this role, I'm targeting $135k–$150k in base salary. But I'm flexible depending on the full package—bonus, equity, and growth opportunities matter too."
When to use: When you've researched the market and feel confident about your range.
"If I had to give a number, I'd say my floor is $130k in base, but I'm really looking at total compensation—including bonus, equity, and benefits. I'm open to discussing the full package once we're aligned on the role."
When to use: When they insist on a number and won't move forward without one.
⚠️ Important note about current salary
In many places (including California, New York, and several other states), it's illegal for employers to ask about your current salary. If they ask, you can politely decline: "I prefer to focus on the value I'll bring to this role rather than my current compensation." You're not required to share it.
When HR calls to discuss your offer, use this script structure. Adapt it to your situation:
"Hi [Name], thanks again for the offer—I'm really excited about joining [Company] as a [Role]. I've been thinking about the opportunity and I'm confident I can make a strong impact."
"Before I sign, I wanted to discuss compensation. Based on my experience in [skill/domain] and market ranges for this role in [location], I was expecting something closer to [target_range]."
"In my last role, I delivered:
I'm confident I can bring similar results to [Company]."
"Is there flexibility to adjust the base to [target_number or range], or improve the total package through bonus, equity, or sign-on?"
"I'm happy to move quickly—what's the best next step and timeline for a response?"
💡 Pro tip
After you ask, stop talking. Let them respond. Silence is uncomfortable but powerful. Don't apologize or backtrack. Before your call, make sure your resume is tailored to the role so you have strong proof points ready.
Once you have a written offer, you have leverage. Here's how to negotiate professionally:
Request a written offer with base, bonus, equity, benefits, and start date. Don't negotiate until you have all the details.
Ask: "Is there flexibility in the compensation package?" Most companies expect negotiation—it's normal.
Use the phone script or email template (below) to propose your target range with 2–3 value points.
"Can we discuss this by [date]?" This keeps momentum and shows you're serious.
If base is fixed, ask for sign-on bonus, more equity, extra PTO, remote flexibility, or a later start date. Total comp matters more than base alone.
💡 Pro tip
Use your job tracker to log all offers, deadlines, and negotiation notes. This helps you compare packages and stay organized when juggling multiple offers.
Role:
Software Engineer (entry-level)
Offer:
$95k base + $10k sign-on
Target:
$105k–$110k base
"Based on my internship experience and market ranges for new grads in this area, I'm targeting $105k–$110k in base salary."
"Hi [Name], thanks for the offer—I'm excited about joining [Company]. Before I sign, I wanted to discuss compensation. Based on my internship experience at [Company] where I shipped 2 features used by 10k+ users, and market ranges for new grads in [location], I was expecting closer to $105k–$110k in base. Is there flexibility to adjust the base or improve the sign-on bonus?"
Subject: Compensation discussion — Software Engineer offer
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the offer for the Software Engineer position. I'm excited about the opportunity and confident I can contribute to [team/product].
After reviewing the package and market ranges for new grads in [location], I'd like to discuss compensation. Based on my internship experience (shipped 2 features used by 10k+ users) and my skills in [tech stack], I was hoping we could adjust the base salary to $105k–$110k.
I'm very interested in moving forward and can confirm quickly once we align. Could we discuss this today or tomorrow?
Best regards,
[Name]
Role:
Product Manager
Offer:
$120k base + 15% bonus + $50k equity
Target:
$135k–$145k base
"Based on my 4 years of PM experience and market ranges for this role, I'm targeting $135k–$145k in base, but I'm flexible on the full package."
"Hi [Name], thanks for the offer—I'm really excited about joining [Company] as a PM. Before I sign, I wanted to discuss compensation. Based on my experience leading 3 product launches with 40% revenue growth and managing cross-functional teams, and market ranges for PMs in [location], I was expecting closer to $135k–$145k in base. Is there flexibility to adjust the base or improve the equity package?"
Subject: Compensation discussion — Product Manager offer
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the offer for the Product Manager position. I'm excited about the opportunity and confident I can contribute to [team/company goal].
After reviewing the package and market ranges for PMs in [location], I'd like to discuss compensation. Based on my 4 years of experience leading product launches (40% revenue growth) and managing cross-functional teams, I was hoping we could adjust the base salary to $135k–$145k, or improve the total comp through equity or bonus.
I'm very interested in moving forward and can confirm quickly once we align. Could we discuss this today or tomorrow?
Best regards,
[Name]
Role:
Senior Data Scientist
Offer:
$160k base + 20% bonus + $100k equity
Target:
$180k–$200k base
"Based on my 8 years of experience leading ML teams and market ranges for senior roles, I'm targeting $180k–$200k in base, plus equity."
"Hi [Name], thanks for the offer—I'm excited about joining [Company] as a Senior Data Scientist. Before I sign, I wanted to discuss compensation. Based on my 8 years of experience leading ML teams, shipping models that improved conversion by 25%, and market ranges for senior roles in [location], I was expecting closer to $180k–$200k in base. Is there flexibility to adjust the base or improve the equity package?"
Subject: Compensation discussion — Senior Data Scientist offer
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the offer for the Senior Data Scientist position. I'm excited about the opportunity and confident I can contribute to [team/company goal].
After reviewing the package and market ranges for senior roles in [location], I'd like to discuss compensation. Based on my 8 years of experience leading ML teams and shipping models that improved conversion by 25%, I was hoping we could adjust the base salary to $180k–$200k, or improve the total comp through equity or bonus.
I'm very interested in moving forward and can confirm quickly once we align. Could we discuss this today or tomorrow?
Best regards,
[Name]
Here are 3 counteroffer email templates you can copy and adapt:
Subject: Compensation discussion — [Role] offer
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the offer for the [Role] position. I'm excited about the opportunity and confident I can contribute to [team/company goal].
After reviewing the package and market ranges for similar roles, I'd like to discuss compensation. Based on my experience in [skill/area] and my recent impact (e.g., [impact]), I was hoping we could adjust the base salary to [target_range], or improve the total comp through bonus/equity/sign-on.
I'm very interested in moving forward and can confirm quickly once we align. Could we discuss this today or tomorrow?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: [Role] offer — compensation discussion
Hi [Name],
Thank you for the offer for the [Role] position. I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to join [Company] and contribute to [specific goal/team].
After reviewing the package, I'd like to discuss compensation. Based on my [X years] of experience in [domain], my track record of [specific impact], and market ranges for this role in [location], I was expecting a base salary in the range of [target_range].
I understand there may be constraints, and I'm open to discussing the full package—including bonus, equity, and sign-on. My goal is to find a structure that reflects the value I'll bring and aligns with market standards.
I'm ready to move quickly once we're aligned. Could we schedule a call today or tomorrow to discuss?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: [Role] offer — timeline and compensation
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the offer for the [Role] position. I'm very excited about the opportunity to join [Company] and contribute to [team/product].
I wanted to be transparent: I'm currently evaluating another offer with a higher base salary (around [competing_offer_range]). However, [Company] is my top choice because of [specific reason: team, mission, growth, etc.].
Is there flexibility to adjust the base salary to [target_range], or improve the total comp through bonus, equity, or sign-on? I'm happy to discuss the full package and find a structure that works for both sides.
I'd love to move forward with [Company] and can confirm quickly once we're aligned. Could we discuss this today or tomorrow?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
💡 Pro tip
After sending your counteroffer email, follow up with a polite message if you don't hear back in 2–3 days. Use your outreach email templates for professional follow-ups.
Compensation isn't just base salary. Here's what to negotiate:
Total comp = base salary + annual bonus + equity (RSUs/options) + benefits (401k match, health insurance, PTO).
What to ask: "Can you share the full compensation breakdown, including bonus structure, equity vesting schedule, and benefits?"
If you're a contractor or hourly employee, negotiate your hourly rate instead of base salary.
What to say: "Based on my experience and market rates for contractors in this role, I'm targeting $X–$Y per hour."
Equity can be worth a lot—or nothing. Ask about strike price (for options), vesting schedule (4 years with 1-year cliff is standard), and refresh grants.
What to ask: "What's the current strike price?" "Is there an equity refresh program?" "What's the vesting schedule?"
If base is fixed, ask for a sign-on bonus to bridge the gap. This is one-time cash paid upfront.
What to say: "If the base is fixed at $X, is there flexibility to add a sign-on bonus to bring the total comp closer to my target?"
If cash is fixed, negotiate extra PTO days, remote flexibility, relocation assistance, or a later start date (to collect your current bonus).
Don't negotiate until you have a written offer. Before that, you have no leverage.
Say "$135k–$150k" instead of "$140k". A range shows flexibility and makes it easier for HR to say yes.
Don't say "Sorry, but..." or "I know this is a lot to ask...". Negotiation is normal and expected.
Don't say "I need more money because of rent/debt/family". Focus on market value and your impact instead.
Don't say "If you can't match this, I'm walking." Stay professional and collaborative. Make sure your resume is polished before you negotiate.
A good counteroffer is typically 10–20% above the initial offer, depending on your leverage and market rates. If the offer is $100k, asking for $110k–$120k is reasonable.
Yes, almost always. Most companies expect negotiation and build room into their initial offer. If you don't ask, you leave money on the table.
Stay professional, polite, and collaborative. Use phrases like "Is there flexibility?" instead of "I need X or I'm walking." Companies rarely rescind offers because you negotiated—it's expected.
"Final" often means "final for base salary." Ask about sign-on bonus, equity, PTO, remote flexibility, or start date. There's usually room to negotiate somewhere.
Give a range based on market research: "Based on my experience and market ranges for this role, I'm targeting $135k–$150k in base salary, but I'm flexible depending on the full package."
Send your counteroffer email within 24–48 hours of receiving the written offer. This shows you're serious and keeps momentum.
It's very difficult to negotiate after you've accepted. Only do this if something major changed (e.g., you got a competing offer). Otherwise, negotiate before you accept.
Ask: "Is there flexibility for remote work?" or "Can the company cover relocation costs?" If they say no to base salary, these are good levers to negotiate.
Don't anchor to your current salary. Focus on market value for the new role. Say: "I'm targeting $X–$Y based on market ranges for this role, not my current compensation."
Research market rates for contractors in your role and location. Say: "Based on my experience and market rates for contractors in this role, I'm targeting $X–$Y per hour." Remember to account for benefits (contractors don't get health insurance, PTO, etc.).
Get personalized negotiation scripts, counteroffer emails, and salary range answers you can use today.