A written job offer is not a final number — it's an opening one. Most people accept the first figure out of fear or politeness, and quietly leave money and benefits on the table. Negotiating well is a learnable, low-risk skill, and a single good conversation can outweigh a year of annual raises.
Why you almost always should
By the time you have a written offer, the company has chosen you, invested in the process, and wants you to say yes. That's your moment of maximum leverage — and it never feels that way again. A polite, well-prepared negotiation rarely backfires; serious employers expect it.
Negotiate the whole package, not just salary
Base salary matters, but it's one lever among many. Depending on the role, you can also discuss:
- Signing bonus or relocation support
- Equity, bonus targets, or commission structure
- Extra vacation or flexible / remote work
- Start date, title, or a guaranteed early review
- A learning or development budget
If they can't move on salary, they can often move on these — and some are worth more than the cash.
The words to use
Lead with enthusiasm, then anchor with a researched number: "I'm really excited about this role. Based on my experience and the market for this position, I was hoping for [number]. Is there flexibility there?" Then stop talking and let them respond. If salary is fixed, pivot: "I understand. Could we look at the signing bonus or extra vacation instead?"
Don't burn the bridge
Stay warm, collaborative, and specific — you're problem-solving together, not making demands. Get the final offer in writing before you formally accept, and once you agree, accept graciously and move on. Done right, negotiating actually starts the relationship on a confident, respectful footing.
Want to sharpen the skills behind this? Test your know-how with the Career IQ quiz, and if you're weighing offers, our guide on asking for a raise uses the same playbook.
This guide is general education, not personalized career advice. Norms vary by country and industry.