An offer is not one number.See what you can negotiate.
Review the full offer and decide what would change your answer. Then tell the recruiter what you want to negotiate and why.
Reading a tech offer?Read the whole offer
Put compensation, schedule, benefits, start date, deadline, and written conditions in one place.
Choose what matters most
Pick the changes that would affect your decision and make your priorities clear.
Explain your request
Tell the recruiter what you want to change, why, and whether that change would help you accept the offer.
The recruiter may need someone else's approval
The person delivering the offer may not be the person who can change it. Be specific about what you want so they can explain your request to the decision-maker.
The exact term you want changed
The scope, range, or evidence behind it
Whether the change would help you accept
The ask“I’m looking for $115,000 in base.”
The basis“That is within the posted range and reflects the scope we discussed.”
The decision“If we can get there, I’m ready to sign.” Use this only when it is true.
Before you counter
Get the full terms in writing and give yourself time to review them. These steps will help you decide what to ask for.
Get the complete offer in writing
Ask for every compensation component, condition, deadline, and policy that affects the decision.
Price this role, not your old one
You do not need to volunteer past pay. Salary-history rules vary by location, so redirect to the role’s approved range and scope.
Take the time you actually need
Ask for a specific response date. If the deadline is short, ask what is fixed on their side before deciding what it means.
Separate needs from preferences
Know which change would alter your decision and which items would merely make the offer nicer.
Counter clearly
A specific request with a defensible basis is easier to understand and move through an approval chain.
Explain what you need to accept
Tell the recruiter what you want to change and why. Only say you are ready to accept if you mean it.
Before the offerThey ask for salary expectations first
“Could you share the salary range for this role? I’d like to understand the responsibilities and level before giving you a number.”
What this makes clear: A direct request for the range without pretending you have no expectations. If they cannot share it, offer a researched range of your own.
A clear counterThe offer is below your target
“I’m excited about the role. Based on the posted range, the scope we discussed, and my experience with [specific responsibility], I was expecting a base closer to [X]. Is there room to revisit that?”
What this makes clear: A specific salary request and the reasons for it. The recruiter can take both to whoever approves the offer.
Ask about other termsBase cannot move
“Thanks for checking. Which parts of the package have more flexibility? A sign-on bonus, start date, schedule, or an earlier compensation review could change the decision for me.”
What this makes clear: A short list of meaningful alternatives. Ask about repayment terms before counting a sign-on bonus as guaranteed cash.
Ask for a dateThe deadline is too short
“I’m taking the offer seriously and want to review the complete package. Could I give you a final answer by Friday? If that timing creates a problem, can you tell me what is fixed on your side?”
What this makes clear: A specific date and a chance to understand whether the deadline reflects a real constraint.
Use only what is trueYou have another offer
“I want to be transparent that I have another written offer and need to respond by [date]. This role is my preference. If there is room to bring [term] to [X], I would be ready to [honest next step].”
What this makes clear: The deadline for your other offer and what would help you choose this one. Never invent an offer or promise to sign unless you mean it.
Check the revised offer before you accept
Compare the written terms with what you discussed. Then decide whether the full package works for you.
- List base salary and one-time payments separately from target or discretionary pay.
- Read sign-on repayment terms and any conditions attached to the offer.
- Confirm schedule, location, start date, title, level, and review timing in writing.
- Compare benefits that matter to you by their actual cost and coverage, not by a headline total.
- If the answer is no, decide whether the unchanged package still works. You do not owe anyone a second counter.
- If the answer is yes, make sure the revised terms appear in the written offer before you sign.