Salary negotiation

How to Negotiate Salary (Word for Word)

Most people accept the first number because the conversation feels awkward and high-stakes. That awkwardness is expensive: a single negotiation can be worth more than a year of raises, and employers almost always expect you to ask. Not negotiating is leaving money on the table that was set aside for you.

You do not have to be aggressive. You need to be calm, prepared, and willing to let a silence sit. The script below is mostly about staying composed and saying one clear sentence, then stopping.

Anchor, Ask, Silence

Anchor. Know your researched range before the call, and let them name a number first when you can.
Ask. State your number or counter calmly, with a one-line reason, then stop talking.
Silence. Let the pause sit. Whoever speaks first after the ask usually concedes. Do not fill it nervously.

What to actually say

Countering an offer

Thank you, I am genuinely excited about this. Based on my experience and the market for this role, I was expecting something closer to 95. Can we get there?
I appreciate the offer. The number is a bit below what I had in mind given the scope. Is there flexibility on the base?
This is close. If we can move the base to X, I am ready to sign today.

When they ask your expectations first

I want to make sure this is a fair fit. Do you have a budgeted range for the role? I can tell you quickly if we are aligned.
Based on my research for this role and market, I am targeting the 90 to 105 range, depending on the full package.

Negotiating beyond base pay

If the base is fixed, can we look at a signing bonus, more equity, or an earlier review?
I understand the band is set. Could we agree now to revisit comp at six months based on impact?

Practice the ask until your voice does not shake.

Negotiation is mostly composure, and composure comes from reps. Rehearse your counter out loud in TalkStride and get scored on how steady and confident you sound, so the real call is just one more time.

How to keep it flowing

After you make the ask, stop talking. The silence will feel unbearable and it is your strongest tool. Let them respond.
Negotiate the whole package, not just base. Bonus, equity, start date, title, and review timing are all on the table.
Stay warm throughout. You are not adversaries; you are agreeing on terms to work together. "I am excited about this" should bookend the whole conversation.

Common mistakes

Accepting the first number out of fear. They expect you to ask, and usually built in room.
Giving a single exact figure too early, which becomes your ceiling.
Justifying your ask with personal need ("rent is high") instead of market and value.
Talking past your own ask and negotiating against yourself in the silence.