Salary Negotiation Guide
Learn effective strategies for negotiating your salary and compensation package to maximize your earnings and benefits in tech roles.
Why Negotiation Matters
Not negotiating your salary can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your career. Studies show that:
- 85% of employers expect candidates to negotiate their salary
- Most initial offers are 10-20% below what the company is willing to pay
- A $5,000 increase in starting salary can translate to over $600,000 more earned over a 40-year career
- Only 39% of professionals attempt to negotiate their salary
The Negotiation Process
Research Market Rates
Understand the Full Compensation Package
Delay Salary Discussion Until You Have Leverage
Receive the Initial Offer
Prepare Your Counteroffer
Present Your Counteroffer
Navigate the Negotiation Conversation
Get the Final Offer in Writing
Sample Negotiation Scripts
Countering an Initial Offer
"Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the possibility of joining [Company]. Based on my research of market rates for this role in this location, and considering my experience with [relevant skills/experience], I was hoping for a base salary closer to [your target]. Is there flexibility in the compensation package?"
Negotiating Beyond Base Salary
"I understand there may be constraints on the base salary. I'm wondering if we could discuss other components of the compensation package, such as equity, signing bonus, or performance bonus structure. I'm particularly interested in [specific component] because [brief reason]."
Leveraging Multiple Offers
"I want to be transparent that I've received another offer with a higher compensation package. However, I'm more excited about the role and growth opportunities at [Company]. Would you be able to match or come closer to the other offer to make my decision easier? I'd be happy to provide more details about the competing offer."
Requesting an Earlier Performance Review
"I'm excited about this offer and understand the constraints on the current compensation. Would it be possible to schedule a performance and compensation review after six months instead of the standard annual review? This would give me the opportunity to demonstrate my value to the team and potentially revisit the compensation discussion sooner."
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the company says the offer is non-negotiable?
How do I negotiate if I'm changing industries or roles?
Is it better to negotiate via email, phone, or in person?
What if I already accepted an offer but received a better one?
How do I negotiate a raise in my current job?
Should I mention competing offers during negotiation?
Need Personalized Negotiation Coaching?
Get one-on-one coaching with experienced tech professionals who have negotiated offers at top companies. Our coaches can help you develop a personalized negotiation strategy and practice with mock negotiations.