Salary Negotiation — Scripts That Actually Work
Why You Must Negotiate
Research shows that not negotiating your starting salary can cost you over $1 million over a 45-year career. Yet 55% of professionals accept the first offer without negotiation.
Script 1: Initial Offer Response
"Thank you for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity. Based on my research of the market and the value I'll bring, particularly my experience in [specific skill], I was hoping for a base salary in the range of $X to $Y. Is there flexibility to discuss this?"
Script 2: Counter-Offer
"I appreciate you sharing the salary range. Given my [X years of experience], [specific certification], and the fact that I'll be contributing to [specific initiative], I believe $X more accurately reflects the value I'll bring from day one."
Script 3: Competing Offer
"I want to be transparent — I've received another offer at $X. Your company is my first choice because of [genuine reason], but I want to make sure the compensation is competitive. Can we discuss bringing the offer closer to $Y?"
Key Negotiation Principles
- Never give a number first if you can avoid it
- Always negotiate based on value, not need
- Negotiate total compensation, not just base salary
- Get the final offer in writing before accepting
- Practice your scripts out loud before the conversation
