Job Offer
Ten Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer
Mindset Shiftsโ
You're selling labor, not "getting a job"โ
Think of employment as a mutual business deal, not a favor.
Negotiation is expectedโ
It signals competence and seriousness; not negotiating is a missed opportunity.
Negotiation is a learnable skillโ
It's not innateโanyone can improve with the right approach.
The Ten Rulesโ
Get everything in writingโ
Record all offer details, even verbal ones. Confirm via email to create a paper trail.
Always keep the door openโ
Avoid premature commitments. Don't let recruiters corner you into decisions.
Information is powerโ
Don't reveal your current salary or desired compensation. Maintain ambiguity to preserve leverage.
Always be positiveโ
Stay enthusiastic about the company, even if the offer is weak. Excitement increases your perceived value.
Don't be the decision-makerโ
Reference external decision-makers (e.g., family, mentors) to deflect pressure and buy time.
Have alternativesโ
Other offers increase your leverage. Even the perception of alternatives boosts your value.
Proclaim reasons for everythingโ
Justify every request with a rational explanation. It makes you appear thoughtful, not greedy.
Be motivated by more than just moneyโ
Express interest in the company's mission or team. It builds trust and goodwill.
Understand what they valueโ
Tailor your negotiation to the company's priorities (e.g., speed, cultural fit, commitment).
Be winnableโ
Signal that you can be closed. Don't be opaque or overly difficult.
Tactical Adviceโ
Use offers to generate more offersโ
Notify other companies when you receive an offer to accelerate their timelines.
Exploding offers should be challengedโ
Treat any offer with an unreasonable deadline as a non-offerโask for more time.
Time your interviews strategicallyโ
Start with slower-moving companies so all your offers arrive within the same window.
Stay curious and empatheticโ
Understand the employer's constraints and goals. Empathy makes you a better negotiator.