Your salary is the biggest wealth-building tool you have. Learning to negotiate can add hundreds of thousands to your lifetime earnings.
Preparing for the Negotiation
Research and strategy before the conversation.
Step 1: Research market rate on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and levels.fyi. Step 2: Document your accomplishments with specific numbers. Step 3: Know your BATNA. Step 4: Practice your pitch out loud. The person who is most prepared wins.
The Negotiation Conversation
Scripts and tactics that work.
Open with: Based on my research and the value I bring, I believe a salary of X is appropriate. Never give a range. If asked current salary, redirect to value. Counter their first offer. Silence is powerful.
Beyond Base Salary
Other things to negotiate.
If base salary is firm, negotiate: Signing bonus, extra holiday days, remote work flexibility, education budget, stock options, performance bonus structure, title upgrade. Total compensation often has more flexibility than base salary alone.