Chapter 07 — Work & Career
How do I negotiate my salary?
Three rules. Never say a number first — ask for their range. When you do counter, use a researched, specific figure based on market data, not a percentage above your current pay. Get the offer in writing, then ask for 24 hours to consider. The worst they can say is no; the average gain is 10–20%.
Follow-up questions
What if they ask my current salary?
'I'm focused on the value of this role — what's the range you've budgeted?' Pivots gracefully in almost every conversation.
Should I negotiate non-salary items?
Yes — sign-on bonus, equity, vacation days, remote-work guarantee, learning budget, and start date are often easier to move than base salary.
Can I lose the offer by negotiating?
Vanishingly rarely, and a company that rescinds for a respectful counter is telling you something useful.
What if the employer says the offer is final?
Ask what else is flexible — signing bonus, start date, title, remote days, review timing. Non-salary levers often move when base pay can't.
Should I tell them my current salary?
Where legal to decline, redirect to your target range for the role. Several US states and jurisdictions ban the question outright.
What if they say the offer is final?
Ask what would need to be true for movement. Non-cash items (start date, remote days, title) often still budge.
Can I lose the offer?
Almost never for polite negotiation. Common enough that recruiters expect it.
Should I share my current salary?
In many places you don't have to (and legally can't be asked). Pivot to 'my target range is X based on the role.'
How do I negotiate a raise?
Bring documented impact, market data, and a specific number. Timing near review cycles helps.
Is it okay to have competing offers?
Yes — leverage helps, but only mention offers you'd actually take.
People also search
- levels.fyi
- salary range by role
- counter offer letter
- salary negotiation script
- levels fyi
- how to ask for a raise
- competing offer letter
Related across The Asked