Negotiating the offer
An offer is often the start of a conversation, not the end. Preparing your priorities and evidence lets you negotiate confidently while keeping the relationship positive.
Key ideas
- Know your priorities and your walk-away point before talking.
- Support requests with market evidence and your value.
- Negotiate the whole package, not only salary.
Step by step
- 1
Research the market range for the role and location.
- 2
Rank what matters: pay, flexibility, development, start date.
- 3
Express enthusiasm, then make a specific, reasoned request.
- 4
Pause, listen and agree the final terms in writing.
Example
Offered a role at the bottom of the range, a candidate thanks the employer, cites two comparable offers and her specialist certification, and secures a higher grade plus study leave.
Your drill
Write your priority list and a two-sentence request for your next offer or pay review, then rehearse it aloud.
Common mistakes
- Accepting immediately out of relief.
- Making demands without evidence or enthusiasm.
Check yourself
Why negotiate the whole package?
Show the answer
Flexibility, development and other terms can add value when salary is fixed, and they let both sides find agreement.
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