Salary negotiation: scripts that actually work

The offer is rarely the final number. Here’s exactly what to say to negotiate with confidence.

Anchor on value, not need

Strong negotiation starts from the value you bring and the market rate for the role — never from personal need. When your ask is grounded in evidence, it’s far harder to dismiss.

The opening ask

“Thank you — I’m genuinely excited about this role. Based on my experience and the market for this position, I was expecting something in the range of X. Can we get there?” Calm, specific, and backed by data.

Handling the counter

Expect pushback and prepare for it. Acknowledge constraints, then redirect to total compensation — bonus, equity, benefits and growth. There’s almost always more than base pay to negotiate.

Negotiation Coach builds these scripts around your exact offer, so you always know the next thing to say.