Negotiate after you have an offer and before you accept. Thank them, ask for the offer in writing and for a day or two to review it. Research the going range for the role and location, decide your target and your walk-away point, then make a calm, specific request with a reason, in the form of a question: "Is there flexibility on the base salary? Based on my experience and the market, I was hoping for around X." If pay is fixed, ask about other terms such as start date, bonus, leave, remote arrangements or a review in six months. Be courteous, honest and ready to accept a no.
Most employers expect it, and a polite request rarely costs you the offer. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Before the offer
You prepare for negotiation before it begins.
- Research the range: salary surveys, public postings with ranges, professional associations and people in similar roles. Check local norms, and note that some places require employers to publish pay ranges.
- Decide your numbers: target, acceptable and walk-away. Consider the whole package.
- List your evidence: results, scope, skills the role needs and any competing interest.
- Prepare your answer to the salary question that often comes earlier. See how to answer salary expectations.
When the offer arrives
Respond with thanks and interest, and ask for time.
"Thank you, I'm excited about the role and the team. Could you send the offer details in writing? I'd like to review them and get back to you by Thursday."
Do not accept or decline on the spot. A day or two to think is a normal request. If the offer is verbal, ask for the full package: base, bonus, equity, benefits, leave, start date and any conditions.
Make the case
Call or write, and be specific and positive. A structure that works:
- Thank them and restate your interest.
- Name your request: a number or a range.
- Give one to three reasons.
- Ask a question and stop talking.
Script for base pay
"Thanks again for the offer. I'm very keen to join. Based on my four years managing 40 accounts and the market range I've seen for customer success managers in London, I was hoping for a base of 52,000. Is there flexibility on that?"
Note that the request is a single number, with reasons, and it ends in a question. If you give a range, make the bottom a number you would be happy with.
If they say no to base
"I understand. Are there other areas where you have flexibility, such as a signing bonus, an earlier review or extra leave?"
What to negotiate
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Base salary | Compounds into future raises and benefits |
| Signing bonus | One-off; useful when base is capped |
| Annual bonus | Ask how it is calculated and paid |
| Equity | Ask about the vesting schedule, strike price and valuation |
| Leave | Extra days are often easier than pay |
| Start date | Useful if you need time between jobs |
| Remote or hybrid | Get it in writing |
| Title | Matters for your next move |
| Review timing | A review at six months can be a good compromise |
| Training budget | Cheap for the employer, useful for you |
Look at the whole offer, including everything beyond base pay. See how to evaluate a job offer.
Handling common responses
"That's our best offer." Ask: "I understand. Is there anything else, such as a signing bonus or an early review, that we could look at?"
"We need an answer today." Say: "I want to give you a considered answer. Could I have until tomorrow?" If they insist, the pressure itself tells you something.
"What is your current salary?" In some places employers cannot ask. If asked, you can redirect: "I'd rather focus on the value of the role. For this position I'm looking for X."
"We have no budget." Ask about non-pay items, and about a review date tied to results.
If you have a competing offer
Mention it truthfully, without bluffing: "I have another offer at X. I prefer your company, so I wanted to ask whether there's room to close the gap." Do not invent offers. A false claim can end the process and damage your reputation.
Get it in writing
Once you agree, ask for a revised offer letter showing every term. Check that it matches what was discussed before you sign. Do not resign from your current job before you have the written offer and have met any conditions, such as references or checks.
After you accept
Thank everyone, and be a good colleague from the start. If you declined, thank them and leave the door open; see reapply after a rejection for how companies often view returning candidates.
Nerves
It is normal to find this uncomfortable. Practise out loud with a friend, write your script, and remember that a respectful request is a standard part of hiring. The employer has already decided it wants you, which is why you have an offer. See job search strategy for the full process.
A worked example
Maria is offered 46,000 for a customer success role. Her research says the range for the role in her city is 44,000 to 56,000, and she has four years of relevant experience. She decides on a target of 52,000 and a floor of 48,000.
She thanks the recruiter, asks for the offer in writing and says she will reply by Thursday. On Thursday she calls and says: "I'm excited to join. Given my four years managing 40 accounts and the range I've seen for this role in the city, I was hoping for 52,000. Is there flexibility?" The recruiter says the budget tops out at 49,000, but offers a review in six months. Maria asks for the review to be written into the offer, along with an extra two days of leave, and accepts 49,000.
The numbers are invented, but the pattern is typical: a clear request with reasons, a counter, then a package that reaches her floor.
Mistakes to avoid
- Accepting on the call before you have thought about it.
- Giving a number with no reasons.
- Negotiating by email only when a call would be warmer and quicker, or the reverse if the employer prefers writing.
- Threatening to leave when you do not mean it.
- Negotiating after you have already accepted.
Common inquiries regarding this topic.
Should you negotiate a job offer?
Usually yes, politely. Employers expect some negotiation, and an offer is often not their final number. The risk is low if you are courteous and your request is reasonable and backed by reasons. Decide in advance what you want and what you would accept.
Usually yes, politely. Employers expect some negotiation, and an offer is often not their final number. The risk is low if you are courteous and your request is reasonable and backed by reasons. Decide in advance what you want and what you would accept.
The Resume World Team
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