Salary Negotiation Basics
Negotiation is not only base salary. Add bonus, equity, sign-on, remote/commute and learning budgets into total compensation. Anchor with a market range and evidence of your differentiated value instead of one number. After a verbal offer, ask for the level, salary, bonus, equity and probation terms in writing.
Prepare
Check ranges for the same city and level, not just one job board.
List scarce skills, results and measurable impact.
Set a walk-away number, a target and a reasonable range.
Negotiate
Ask for their range first; give a range plus rationale, not a threat.
If base is fixed, negotiate sign-on, equity, remote work or learning budget.
Put every promise in the offer; verbal does not count.
FAQ
Can new grads negotiate?
Often sign-on, location, start date or learning budget; base flexibility is usually limited.
Can a counteroffer cost me the offer?
A professional, market-based counter usually will not; tone and timing matter.