💰 SALARY NEGOTIATION #1 - The Script You Need

Most engineers leave $10K-$30K on the table because they accept the first offer out of fear the company will rescind it.

They almost never do. Here's a script that works:

When you get the offer:
"Thank you so much, I'm really excited about this. Could I have a couple of days to review everything?"

(Always ask for time. Never negotiate on the spot.)

When you come back to negotiate:
"I'm really excited about this role and the team. Based on my research and the scope of responsibilities we discussed, I was expecting something closer to $X. Is there flexibility on the base salary or the signing bonus?"

Key principles:
✅ Always express enthusiasm first - negotiation isn't confrontation
✅ Anchor with a specific number, not a vague "more"
✅ Ask about total comp flexibility (base, bonus, equity, sign-on) - not just base salary
✅ Never lie about competing offers, but you CAN say "I'm evaluating a few opportunities"

The worst that happens? They say no, and you're exactly where you started. The best case? Thousands of extra dollars a year, for one polite conversation.

Have you ever negotiated an offer? How did it go? 👇