/salary-negotiation-prep

name: salary-negotiation-prep
description: 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:**

Low (25th percentile): $XXX,XXX
Target (50th percentile): $XXX,XXX  
High (75th percentile): $XXX,XXX
Stretch (90th percentile): $XXX,XXX

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**

EXAMPLE:
Base Salary: $150,000
Target Bonus (15%): $22,500
RSU Grant (4-year): $200,000 ($50,000/year)
401k Match (4%): $6,000
Benefits Value: ~$15,000

Total Annual Comp: $243,500

**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

Subject: [Your Name] - Offer Discussion

Hi [Recruiter/Hiring Manager],

Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company] as [Title]. I'm very excited about the opportunity to [specific thing about the role]. After speaking with the team and learning more about [something specific], I'm confident this is the right fit.

I've had time to review the offer details and wanted to discuss the compensation. Based on my research of the market and my [X years of experience / specific valuable skill / competing offer], I was hoping we could discuss a base salary of $[Your Ask] rather than $[Their Offer].

[Optional: Add specific justification - e.g., "I've seen similar roles at [comparable companies] in this range" or "Given the scope of the role and my track record of [specific achievement], I believe this reflects my value."]

I'm flexible and open to discussing other elements of the package as well. Would you have time for a quick call to discuss?

Thank you again for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to finding a package that works for both of us.

Best,
[Your Name]

Counter-Offer Call Script

"Hi [Name], thanks for making time. I'm really excited about this opportunity - [genuine specific reason].

I've reviewed the offer and want to discuss compensation. Based on my market research and [X years experience / key accomplishment / competing offer], I was hoping for a base salary closer to $[Amount].

Is there flexibility there?"

[LISTEN - Let them respond]

[If they push back:]
"I understand there are constraints. I'm flexible - could we look at other elements like signing bonus, equity, or [other element] to bridge the gap?"

[If they say they'll need to check:]
"That's totally fair. When would be a good time to reconnect?"

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:**

"I'm thrilled about the opportunity. The base salary is lower than I expected based on my research. For this role and market, I was expecting something in the $X-$Y range. Is there room to move closer to $X?"

Scenario 2: They Ask Your Salary Expectations First

**Deflection Strategy:**

"I'm flexible and focused on finding the right fit. What's the range you've budgeted for this role?"

**If Pressed:**

"Based on my research for this role and market, I'm looking at $X-$Y, but I'm open to discussing the full compensation picture."

Scenario 3: They Won't Budge on Base

**Alternatives to Negotiate:**

• Signing bonus (one-time, easier to approve)
• Additional equity
• Ear