Research market rates, build negotiation strategy, and create counter-offer scripts

Salary Negotiation Prep When to Use This Skill Use this skill when the user wants to: Negotiate a job offer or salary Research market rates for their role Create a counter offer strategy Understand total compensation packages Mentions: "salary negotiation", "negotiate offer", "counter offer", "compensation", "how much should I ask for" Core Capabilities Research and validate market compensation Build negotiation strategy and scripts Calculate total compensation (not just base salary) Prepare counter offer responses Identify negotiation leverage points Navigate difficult salary conversations The Negotiation Mindset Key Principles: 1. Negotiation is expected companies budget for it 2. 84% of employers expect candidates to negotiate 3. Not negotiating leaves $500K $1M on the table over a career 4. The goal is win win, not adversarial What You're Really Negotiating: Base salary Signing bonus Annual bonus/commission Equity (stock options, RSUs) Benefits (401k match, insurance) Perks (vacation, remote work, professional development) Start date Title Research Phase Step 1: Determine Market Rate Sources to Check: Levels.fyi (best for tech) Glassdoor (general, take with grain of salt) LinkedIn Salary Blind (anonymous reports) PayScale Salary.com H1B salary data (publicly available) Build a Range: Step 2: Know Your Value Factors That Increase Your Worth: Years of relevant experience Specialized/rare skills Track record of results In demand certifications Current competing offers Referral from employee Market demand in your field Factors That May Limit: Entry level or career change Less experience than ideal candidate Gaps in required skills Location arbitrage (lower cost of living) Step 3: Calculate Total Compensation Total Comp = Base + Bonus + Equity + Benefits Common Equity Terms: RSUs: Restricted Stock Units (real shares, taxed when vesting) Options: Right to buy at strike price (value = current price strike price) Vesting: Typically 4 year with 1 year cliff Refresh grants: Annual additional equity grants Negotiation Strategy When to Negotiate Best Time: After you have a written offer, before you sign Timeline: 1. Receive verbal offer → Express enthusiasm, ask for written offer 2. Receive written offer → Thank them, ask for time to review 3. Research and prepare → 24 48 hours 4. Counter with ask → Email or call 5. Discussion/back and forth → May take several rounds 6. Final agreement → Get in writing The Counter Offer Framework Structure: 1. Express enthusiasm 2. Reinforce your value 3. Make specific ask 4. Provide justification 5. Open discussion Counter Offer Email Template Counter Offer Call Script Common Negotiation Scenarios Scenario 1: First Offer Is Low Approach: Don't accept immediately Express enthusiasm for role Counter with research backed number Be prepared to justify Script: Scenario 2: They Ask Your Salary Expectations First Deflection Strategy: If Pressed: Scenario 3: They Won't Budge on Base Alternatives to Negotiate: Signing bonus (one time, easier to approve) Additional equity Earlier performance review (sooner raise) More vacation days Remote work flexibility Professional development budget Title upgrade Relocation assistance Start date Script: Scenario 4: You Have Competing Offers Use Carefully: Only mention if true Don't make it a threat Frame as problem solving Script: Scenario 5: They Ask About Current Salary In Many States, This Question Is Illegal If Asked (and legal): Or Redirect: Negotiation Tactics Do's: ✅ Always negotiate (respectfully) ✅ Get the offer in writing before negotiating ✅ Research thoroughly ✅ Be specific with numbers ✅ Express genuine enthusiasm ✅ Give them a way to say yes ✅ Consider total compensation ✅ Be patient process takes time ✅ Get final agreement in writing Don'ts: ❌ Accept on the spot ❌ Give a salary history (if not required by law) ❌ Make ultimatums ❌ Lie about competing offers ❌ Be rude or aggressive ❌ Negotiate just for the sake of it ❌ Accept verbal promises without writing ❌ Burn bridges if it doesn't work out Total Compensation Comparison Side by Side Analysis Negotiation Timeline Template Output Format When preparing salary negotiation: Implementation Checklist 1. ✅ Research market rate from 3+ sources 2. ✅ Calculate total compensation (not just base) 3. ✅ Identify your priorities 4. ✅ Determine walk away point 5. ✅ Prepare counter offer with justification 6. ✅ Write or practice negotiation script 7. ✅ Plan for pushback scenarios 8. ✅ Get agreement in writing 9. ✅ Review final offer letter carefully 10. ✅ Sign and celebrate!

salary-negotiation-prep