How to negotiate a job offer and get what you’re worth

You got the job offer. Cue the confetti! But once the initial excitement settles, another feeling might kick in: the pressure to say ‘yes’ fast. Here’s the thing: You don’t have to. And honestly? You shouldn’t. Negotiating your job offer isn’t pushy. It’s practical.

Here’s how to negotiate a job offer like a pro, even if it’s your very first time.

1. Take time to evaluate the offer

It’s perfectly okay (and expected) to ask for time to think. Thank the employer warmly and request a few days to review the details. Most companies are happy to give you 48 to 72 hours.

Use that time to look at:

• Salary

• Health and wellness benefits

• Retirement plans

• Bonus structure

• Paid time off

• Remote or hybrid options

Ask yourself: Does this align with my financial goals and lifestyle needs? Tools like salary calculators and cost-of-living comparisons can help you see the full picture.

2. Know your value—and the market

Before negotiating anything, it helps to understand what your skills are worth. Research the average salary for your role, location, and experience level using sites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Then, take stock of your strengths. Do you have experience that goes beyond what the role requires? Are you bringing in-demand skills or certifications? Have you had internships or part-time roles that gave you a head start?

The more clearly you can articulate your value, the stronger your case.

3. Get clear on what matters to you

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You don’t have to negotiate everything. Pick the one to three parts of the offer that are most important to you.

You might prioritize:

• A higher base salary

• Extra vacation time

• Remote work flexibility

• A signing bonus

• Tuition reimbursement

• Professional development support

Ask yourself: What will help me do my best work and support my personal life?

4. Start the conversation with confidence

When you’re ready to negotiate, ask to have a conversation by phone or video, if possible. Email can work too, but a live conversation allows you to collaborate, ask questions, and build empathy. 

Here’s a sample script:

"Thank you again for the offer. I'm really excited about the opportunity and the chance to work with your team. I've reviewed the details, and I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Based on my research and the skills I bring, I believe a salary of [insert number] would be more in line with the role and market standards. Is there flexibility there?"

A few key tips:

• Be polite but direct. Don’t think of it as asking for a favor. You’re advocating for your worth.

• Lead with gratitude. This sets the tone for a respectful conversation.

• Be specific. Have a clear ask (and a number) in mind.

• Let them respond. Avoid filling the silence. Give them time to process and reply.

5. Use ranges and anchors

If you're not sure what to ask for, give a salary range. The lower end should be a number you’d still feel good about.

Example: “I was thinking in the range of $58,000 to $63,000, based on my skills and the current market. Is that something your team could support?”

Why it works: A range shows flexibility, and even when listed low to high, it opens the door for negotiation around the upper end.

6. Be prepared for questions

It’s normal for hiring managers to ask why you’re asking for more. Don’t panic, this is just part of the process. They want to understand your perspective, and a calm, prepared answer shows that you’re thoughtful and professional.

Here are some questions you might be asked:

• “How did you arrive at that number?”

• “Do you have another offer you’re considering?”

• “Is this your final decision, or is there flexibility?”

• “What’s most important to you in this offer?”

• “Would you still accept the job if we can’t meet your request?”

Practice your responses in advance so you’re not caught off guard. Keep your answers focused on the value you bring and the research you’ve done, not personal financial needs.

You could say:

“Based on the research I’ve done and the value I believe I can bring to this team, I feel the number I shared is a fair reflection of the market.”

Or:

“Given my experience with [relevant skill/project], I believe this compensation would be a good match for the level of contribution I’m prepared to bring.”

7. Know what not to say

There are a few common missteps that can derail negotiations. Here are a few to avoid:

• Avoid emotional appeals like: “I need this salary because of my rent/student loans.”

• Don’t compare yourself to friends: “My friend makes more at her company.”

• Steer clear of vague asks like: “Can you do better?” or “Is there more room?”

Instead, be specific and professional. You might say:

“I’ve seen similar roles in this field and city ranging from X to Y, and based on my qualifications, I’d feel comfortable at the higher end of that range."

8. Look at the whole package

Sometimes the company can't offer more money—and that’s okay. There may be other areas to explore that can make the offer more valuable.

You can ask about:

• Additional PTO days or mental health days

• Flexible or hybrid schedules

• Early performance review timelines (with raise potential)

• Learning and development stipends

• Equity or stock options (if applicable)

Sometimes what can help support your long-term growth and well-being goes beyond the paycheck.

9. Get it in writing

Once you and the employer agree to updates, always request a revised offer letter. It should reflect any new terms you've agreed on, including:

• Updated salary

• Additional vacation days or benefits

• Signing bonus details and payment timeline

If you receive a verbal agreement, politely follow up via email:

“Thanks again for discussing these changes. Could you please send a revised offer letter that includes the updated compensation and PTO details so I can review and sign?”

This helps prevent any confusion or miscommunication later on.

10. Close the loop kindly

Whether you accept the job or decline, always thank the team. A simple, thoughtful note can leave a lasting impression.

"Thank you for your time and consideration throughout this process. I'm grateful for the opportunity and excited to join the team."

Or, if you're turning it down:

"Thank you so much for the offer. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue another opportunity that aligns more closely with my goals. I appreciate your support and hope we can cross paths again."

Exploring job options or career paths?

If you’re still figuring out your next move, we’ve got more ideas to spark your search:

• Six-figure jobs without a degree

• Best-paying entry-level jobs

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.