salary-negotiation-prep

SKILL.md

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:

Negotiation is expected - companies budget for it

84% of employers expect candidates to negotiate

Not negotiating leaves $500K-$1M on the table over a career

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:

Receive verbal offer → Express enthusiasm, ask for written offer

Receive written offer → Thank them, ask for time to review

Research and prepare → 24-48 hours

Counter with ask → Email or call

Discussion/back and forth → May take several rounds

Final agreement → Get in writing

The Counter-Offer Framework

Structure:

Express enthusiasm

Reinforce your value

Make specific ask

Provide justification

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

Earlier performance review (sooner raise)

More vacation days

Remote work flexibility

Professional development budget

Title upgrade

Relocation assistance

Start date

Script:

"I understand the base salary is firm. Could we discuss a signing bonus to help bridge the gap? Something in the range of $X would make this work."

Scenario 4: You Have Competing Offers

Use Carefully:

Only mention if true

Don't make it a threat

Frame as problem-solving

Script:

"I want to be transparent - I'm also in discussions with [another company/a few other companies]. They're offering $X. [Your Company] is my first choice because [genuine reason], but I want to make sure the compensation is competitive."

Scenario 5: They Ask About Current Salary

In Many States, This Question Is Illegal

If Asked (and legal):

"I'd prefer to focus on the value I'd bring to this role and what the market rate is. What's the range you've budgeted?"

Or Redirect:

"My current compensation isn't really comparable since [different location/role/structure]. Based on my research for this role, I'm targeting $X-$Y."

Negotiation Tactics

Do's:

✅ Always negotiate (respectfully)

✅ Get the offer in writing before negotiating

✅ Research thoroughly

✅ Be specific with numbers

✅ Express genuine enthusiasm

✅ Give them a way to say yes

✅ Consider total compensation

✅ Be patient - process takes time

✅ Get final agreement in writing

Don'ts:

❌ Accept on the spot

❌ Give a salary history (if not required by law)

❌ Make ultimatums

❌ Lie about competing offers

❌ Be rude or aggressive

❌ Negotiate just for the sake of it

❌ Accept verbal promises without writing

❌ Burn bridges if it doesn't work out

Total Compensation Comparison

Side-by-Side Analysis

## OFFER COMPARISON

| Component | Company A | Company B | Notes |
|-----------|-----------|-----------|-------|
| Base Salary | $150,000 | $140,000 | A wins |
| Target Bonus | 15% ($22,500) | 20% ($28,000) | B wins |
| Signing Bonus | $20,000 | $10,000 | A wins |
| Equity (annual) | $50,000 | $75,000 | B wins |
| 401k Match | 4% ($6,000) | 6% ($8,400) | B wins |
| Benefits | Standard | Premium | B wins |
| WFH | Hybrid (3 days) | Full remote | B wins |
| Vacation | 3 weeks | Unlimited | Depends |

**Year 1 Total Comp:**
Company A: $248,500
Company B: $261,400

**Analysis:** Company B is higher total comp, but Company A has higher base which affects future raises and mortgage qualification.

Negotiation Timeline Template

Day 1: Receive offer
- Thank them, express enthusiasm
- Ask for offer in writing
- Ask deadline for response

Day 1-3: Research
- Verify market rate
- Calculate total comp
- Identify priorities
- Prepare counter-offer

Day 3-5: Counter
- Send counter-offer email or schedule call
- Be specific about ask

Day 5-10: Discussion
- May require several rounds
- Be patient but responsive
- Stay professional and positive

Day 10+: Resolution
- Agree on terms
- Get everything in writing
- Sign and celebrate!

Output Format

When preparing salary negotiation:

# SALARY NEGOTIATION STRATEGY

## Market Research Summary
**Role:** [Title]
**Location:** [City/Remote]
**Experience Level:** [Years]

**Market Range:**
- 25th percentile: $XXX,XXX
- 50th percentile: $XXX,XXX (target)
- 75th percentile: $XXX,XXX
- 90th percentile: $XXX,XXX (stretch)

**Sources:** [List sources used]

## Their Offer
| Component | Amount |
|-----------|--------|
| Base | $XXX,XXX |
| Bonus | X% |
| Equity | $XXX,XXX |
| Signing | $XXX |
| Total Year 1 | $XXX,XXX |

## Your Counter
| Component | Ask | Justification |
|-----------|-----|---------------|
| Base | $XXX,XXX | [Why] |
| Signing | $XXX | [Why] |
| [Other] | | |

## Counter-Offer Script
[Email template or call script customized for this situation]

## If They Push Back
**Plan B:** [Alternative elements to negotiate]
**Walk-away Point:** [Your minimum]

## Key Talking Points
1. [Your experience/value point]
2. [Market data point]
3. [Specific achievement]

## Questions to Clarify
- [Equity vesting schedule?]
- [Bonus guaranteed?]
- [Review cycle timeline?]

Implementation Checklist

✅ Research market rate from 3+ sources

✅ Calculate total compensation (not just base)

✅ Identify your priorities

✅ Determine walk-away point

✅ Prepare counter-offer with justification

✅ Write or practice negotiation script

✅ Plan for pushback scenarios

✅ Get agreement in writing

✅ Review final offer letter carefully

✅ Sign and celebrate!