Negotiating a job offer, including your first
Most employers expect a counteroffer, and asking politely almost never costs you the job. Here’s how to do it without feeling awkward.
Why it’s worth asking
Your starting salary is the base for future raises, and for the salary you’ll be offered at your next job. A small increase now compounds for years. Hiring managers often leave some room in the first offer because they expect people to ask.
Before you reply
Get it in writing
Ask for the full offer in writing: base salary, bonus, any equity, benefits, paid time off and start date. You can’t compare or negotiate what you can’t see.
Ask for time
It’s normal to say, “Thank you, I’m excited about this. Could I have until Friday to review the details?” A day or a few days is a reasonable request.
Know the range
Look up what the role pays in your area. Government wage data (linked below), salary sites, people in the field and recruiters can all help. In some US states and cities, employers must include a pay range in the job posting, so check the original listing too.
How to ask
Keep it short, warm and specific:
“Thank you again for the offer. I’m really excited about the role. Based on my research for this position in [city], and my experience with [relevant skill], I was hoping for a base salary of [$X]. Is there flexibility there?”
- Name one number, not a range. If you give a range, expect them to pick the bottom of it.
- Give a reason, such as market rates, a specific skill, or a competing offer if you really have one.
- Then stop talking. Let them respond.
If they can’t move on salary
Salary isn’t the only thing you can negotiate. You can ask about:
- A signing bonus
- An earlier review date for a raise
- More paid time off
- Remote or flexible work days
- A later or earlier start date
- Training or education budget
What not to do
- Don’t lie about a competing offer.
- Don’t make it a test of wills. You’ll be working with these people.
- Don’t accept and then keep negotiating. Once you’ve said yes, the negotiation is over.
Do this today
- Ask for the full offer in writing, including base pay, bonus, benefits and start date.
- Look up the pay range for the role in your area, and check whether the job posting listed one.
- Pick one specific number to ask for, and write down one or two reasons to support it.
- Reply by email or phone within the time you were given, thanking them before you counter.
Sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (pay by occupation)
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (pay by area)
This guide is general advice based on common hiring practice. Every employer and industry is different, so use your own judgment.