Negotiating the Offer, Not Just Landing It

The offer email lands and, almost every time, my clients do 1 of 2 things. They accept on the spot out of pure relief that the search is over, or they freeze because they don’t know what’s reasonable to ask for. Both responses are understandable. Neither serves you well.

An offer is not a final answer. It’s an opening position. Treat the first 48-hours after the offer arrives as a time to contemplate and weigh the options.  

The 48-hour rule

Say thank you, express genuine enthusiasm, and ask for 2 to 3 days to review the full offer. This is standard practice and no reasonable employer will rescind an offer over a short, respectful pause. Use that window to evaluate what’s in front of you instead of responding from adrenaline.

Evaluate total compensation, not just the number

Base salary is 1 line item, not the whole picture. Before you respond, look at all 6 of these together.

• Base salary
• Bonus structure, and how realistic it is to hit the target
• PTO and how quickly it accrues
• Remote or hybrid flexibility
• Relocation or commuter support, if relevant
• Growth path, not just the title you’d start with

I’ve seen a lower base salary beat a higher one once you take the entire compensation package into consideration.

How to ask for more without losing the offer

Lead with enthusiasm, not apology. Something close to, “I’m genuinely excited about this role. Based on my experience with [specific, relevant accomplishment], I was hoping we could discuss the base salary.” Ask, “Would the company consider, [specific salary or range based on your research of the industry and your relevant experience to the position]”.

Specific and warm outperforms vague and hesitant every time. Employers expect a counter within reason. Asking respectfully rarely costs you the offer.