Negotiating an offer when you've never negotiated before
Scripts, timing, and the one phrase that almost always gets you 5-10% more without burning the bridge.
Most people accept the first offer. They're afraid the company will rescind it, or that asking for more makes them seem ungrateful. In ten years of strategy, I have never, not once, seen an offer rescinded for a polite, professional counter. What I have seen is candidates leave $10k to $30k on the table because they didn't ask.
The window: when to negotiate
The right moment is after you have the offer in writing, but before you sign. Verbal offers don't count, get it in email first. Then take 24 to 48 hours to respond. That pause is your leverage.
The phrase that almost always works
"Thank you so much for the offer, I'm really excited about the role and the team. Based on my research and experience in [specific area], I was hoping we could land closer to $X. Is there flexibility there?"
Three things this script does:
- Reaffirms enthusiasm so they don't think you're walking.
- Anchors a specific number, never a range, never 'more'.
- Ends with a question that puts the ball in their court.
What to ask for besides base
- Sign-on bonus (easiest 'yes' for most companies).
- Equity refresh or extra RSU grant.
- Title bump (compounds over your career).
- Earlier review cycle (e.g., 6 months instead of 12).
- Remote flexibility, PTO days, learning budget.
Red flag
If a recruiter pressures you to accept on the same day or refuses any negotiation conversation, that's a culture signal. Take it seriously.
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