The moment you get an offer, you have the most leverage you'll ever have with that employer — they've chosen you and don't want to restart the search. Yet most people say yes on the spot. A polite, prepared negotiation is normal, expected, and one of the highest-paid hours of your life.
Step 1: Don't accept on the call
Whatever the number, thank them warmly and ask for the offer in writing and a little time to consider. This isn't rude — it's standard, and it stops you from accepting out of nerves.
Step 2: Know your number
- Research the market rate for the role, level, and location (salary sites, recruiters, peers).
- Decide your target (ambitious but justified) and your walk-away floor.
- Consider the whole package, not just salary — bonus, equity, pension, holiday, remote days, start date, signing bonus.
Step 3: Make the ask — anchored and warm
- Anchor with a specific number and a one-line reason (your value + the market).
- Stay collaborative, not combative — you're solving a problem together, not fighting.
- If base is fixed, pivot to other levers: signing bonus, review in 6 months, extra holiday, remote days.
Silence is your friend
After you make your ask, stop talking. Let them respond. The urge to fill the silence with 'but it's fine if not' undoes your whole ask. State it, then wait.
Don't bluff a competing offer you don't have
If it's real, use it. If it's not, don't invent one — it can blow up if they call it. You don't need a rival offer to negotiate; your value and the market are enough.
Step 4: Get the final offer in writing
Once you agree, confirm everything in writing before you resign anywhere. Then you can move on gracefully — see how to write a resignation letter.
Offer-negotiation checklist
Checklist
See also how to ask for a raise and the Salary Negotiation Coach.
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