Most people do not negotiate their salary after a job offer. Studies consistently show that candidates who negotiate get better outcomes, and employers rarely rescind offers because a candidate negotiated professionally.
The fear is understandable. Negotiation feels risky, especially after a long and uncertain hiring process. But the risk is almost always overstated, and the cost of not negotiating compounds over the length of your career.
Before You Start Negotiating
Know your number before you receive the offer. Research the role, the company, and the market using multiple sources. Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi for tech roles, and conversations with people in similar positions all contribute to a more accurate picture than any single source.
Decide in advance what you would accept and what would cause you to walk away. Negotiating without a clear sense of your floor creates confusion and makes it easier to accept less than you should.
When You Receive the Offer
Do not accept or reject on the spot. It is completely normal to ask for 24-48 hours to review the offer. "Thank you so much. I'm really excited about this. Can I have until tomorrow to review everything and come back to you?"
Once you have reviewed it, respond in writing or on a call with a clear counter. You do not need to justify your ask at length. A concise, confident counter is more effective than a detailed argument.
What to Say
"I'm really excited about this opportunity and I'm confident I want to join the team. Based on my research and the scope of this role, I was hoping we could get to [number]. Is there flexibility there?"
If they cannot move on base salary, ask about other components. Signing bonus, equity, vacation, remote flexibility, and professional development budget are all negotiable at many companies even when salary is not.
What to Avoid
Do not give a specific number first when asked for your expectations. Respond with a range, and make sure the bottom of your range is acceptable to you. Anchor high enough that the negotiation leaves you in a good position.
Do not apologize for asking. Candidates who preface their counter with "I know this might be a lot to ask" or "I feel bad pushing back on this" undermine their own position before the conversation even begins.