How to Negotiate Salary After Receiving a Job Offer
A step-by-step approach to negotiating a job offer — when to ask, how much to ask for, what to say, and what to do if the answer is no.
Léa Miquet · · 8 min read
Receiving an offer is the moment you have the most leverage: the company has decided it wants you, and replacing you means restarting the process. Negotiating politely and specifically at this stage is normal — recruiters expect it far more often than candidates think.
1. Don't answer on the spot
Thank them, say you're excited, and ask for the full offer in writing and a day or two to review it. This is standard and won't surprise anyone.
2. Know your numbers
- Your target: the number you'd be genuinely happy to accept.
- Your walk-away point: below this, you'd decline.
- Your evidence: market data for the role and location, your current package, competing processes, and the scope of the role.
3. Ask for a specific number, once
Name a single figure, slightly above your target to leave room to meet in the middle. Ranges tend to anchor the conversation at their lowest point. Keep the justification short and about value, not personal expenses.
“I'm really excited about this role and the team. Based on the scope we discussed and what I'm seeing for similar roles, I was expecting a base closer to $92,000. If we can get there, I'm ready to accept.”
4. Then stop talking
After you've made your ask, let them respond. Filling the silence with justifications or a lower number is the most common way people negotiate against themselves.
5. If base salary is fixed, negotiate the package
- A sign-on bonus
- A salary review at six months, with agreed criteria
- Additional remote days or flexible hours
- Learning and development budget
- Start date, title or extra paid leave
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