How to Negotiate a Job Offer: Scripts and Strategy

Negotiating an offer feels risky, but in most professional roles it’s expected. Done politely and with evidence, it rarely costs you the offer, and the difference compounds over every future raise. Here’s how to approach it calmly.

Why you should (almost) always negotiate

Employers usually leave room between their first offer and their maximum for the role. A respectful, well-reasoned request is a normal part of hiring. The main exceptions: some public-sector and union roles with fixed pay bands, and some graduate schemes where everyone starts on the same salary. Even then, start dates, relocation support or training budgets may be flexible.

Know your number

Before any conversation about money, know three figures:

• Market rate for the role, level and location. Use salary surveys, levels and comparison sites, recruiters, and peers. In the US, H-1B wage filings are public. The visa sponsor checker shows what employers actually filed to pay for specific roles.
• Your target: a number at the upper end of what you can justify.
• Your walk-away: the minimum you’d accept, considering the whole package.

The “salary expectations” question

Early in the process, a recruiter may ask what you’re looking for. You have three reasonable options:

1. Ask for their range first: “Could you share the budgeted range for the role? I’m sure we can find something that works if the fit is right.” In some places, like several US states, the EU (under its pay transparency directive) and others, employers are increasingly required to disclose ranges.
2. Give a researched range, with your target near the bottom: “Based on my research for similar roles in Berlin, I’m looking at €75–85k base.”
3. Defer politely until you know more about the role.

Avoid stating your current salary if you don’t have to. Some jurisdictions ban employers from asking.

When the offer arrives

1. Thank them and show enthusiasm: you want them to know you’d like to say yes.
2. Don’t accept on the spot. Ask for the offer in writing and a few days to review.
3. Make one clear, reasoned counter: a specific number, with the reasons (market data, your experience, competing offers if real).
4. Then stop talking. Let them respond.
5. Get the final agreement in writing before you resign from your current job.

Beyond base salary

If they can’t move on base pay, ask about: a signing bonus, a guaranteed salary review at six months, more equity, extra leave, a later or earlier start date, relocation or visa support, remote days, a training budget, or a better job title.

Scripts

Practising out loud makes a real difference. GotOffered’s negotiation practice lets you rehearse with an AI recruiter who has a hidden budget, then shows what you won and what you left on the table.