A step-by-step guide to negotiating your tech job offer. Includes proven scripts, email templates, and strategies used by top earners.
Before any negotiation, know your worth. Research salary data for your role, experience level, and location.
Timing is crucial. Negotiate after you have a written offer but before you accept.
Phone calls are more effective than email for initial negotiation. Use this proven script.
After any phone negotiation, follow up with an email to create a paper trail and confirm next steps.
When they come back with a counter, evaluate it strategically and know when to accept.
Multiple offers give you significant leverage. Learn how to use them ethically and effectively.
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Accepting the first offer
Fix: Almost every offer has room for negotiation. Even a 5% increase compounds significantly over your career.
Negotiating only base salary
Fix: Consider signing bonus, equity, PTO, remote work, start date, title, and review timeline.
Being too aggressive
Fix: Frame requests as collaborative problem-solving, not demands. You want them as future colleagues.
Not practicing beforehand
Fix: Rehearse your negotiation script out loud. The words should feel natural when you say them.
Making it personal
Fix: Base your ask on market data and your qualifications, not personal expenses or needs.
Negotiation is just one part of the interview process. Practice coding, system design, and behavioral questions to maximize your offer potential.