Negotiate your offer without blowing it

Most offers have room, and employers expect a conversation. Negotiating professionally rarely costs you an offer — but how you do it matters.

Before you respond

• Get the full picture: base, bonus, equity, benefits, and start date — not just salary.
• Know your number from market data for the role, level, and location.
• Be genuinely enthusiastic about the role first. Negotiation lands better on top of a clear yes-if.

Making the ask

Anchor on one clear, reasonable number and give a short reason (competing offer, market rate, the scope of the role). If base is capped, pivot to sign-on, equity, or an early review. Get the final offer in writing before you resign anything.

Stay warm throughout — you will work with these people. "I am excited to join, and I would like to get the base to X; is that something we can do?" is firm and friendly at once.