How to Negotiate an Offer

Step 1: Prioritize

Think of signing the offer as agreeing that you have everything you need to do the work comfortably. You may not get everything you ask for, so it's important to get clear on what you definitely need. Ask yourself:

  • What is a dealbreaker? If you do not get this specific thing, you won't accept the job.
  • What is very important? If you do not get this, you need to get something else of equivalent value to accept the job.
  • What is a preference? If you do not get this, you would still accept the job.

To learn more about the things people commonly negotiate, visit "What Can You Negotiate?".

Step 2: Do Your Research

Gather information both from the organization and other sources that can further contextualize each of your asks. This approach helps to ensure you're not asking for too much or too little.

For example, to help you make a case for negotiating a higher salary, consider:

  • Researching salaries for comparable positions at other organizations
  • Researching the cost of living in the area
  • Calculating how much your net pay will be after tax withholding, pre-tax deductions, etc.

A great way to find out about these things is to do informational interviews.

Step 3: Work With Them

For items that are not dealbreakers, the hiring manager is your partner in the negotiation process. Remember, you both want you to be reasonably happy with the outcome! If you cannot get an item that is "very important" or a "preference", try to redirect the ask to something else that would make you similarly satisfied. 

For example, if you cannot get the salary you are asking for, is there an adjustment to bonuses, equity, or the review and raise schedule that would feel equivalent?

Need help building your strategy for the conversation? Use our flow chart to guide your approach based on how the hiring manager responds to each of your negotiation items. 

Handling a Job Offer

Sample negotiation script

Read through a sample script of a candidate and employer having a negotiation conversation.

Managing simultaneous offers

Express enthusiasm. Throughout the process, reiterate how happy you are to have this offer and the prospect of working with them.

Tell. When you get a second offer, you'll want to tell the first organization. Also, tell any other organizations when you get a new offer (if you have at least advanced to the interview stage) so you can ask them what their timeline will be.

Ask for more time. Ask all organizations if you can have more time to make a decision because "you owe it to yourself to consider all offers." Ask for that extra time at anytime in the process, when it seems you may need it.

Disclose wisely. Give each organization the chance to make a competitive offer. Tell them if the salary or benefits at the other organization is more appealing. You do NOT have to prove you have another offer, or provide the name of the other organizations, the offer letter, or specific details. But it's important to be honest!

Turn down after you sign. You can wait until after you have signed an offer to turn the other ones down officially via email. See "Turning down an offer" below for more guidance and example language.

Turning down an offer

Keep the conversation or email timely and brief with these 3 things:

  1. State the job you are talking about
  2. Clearly state that you are declining the offer
  3. Express appreciation and well wishes

Examples

  • "Thank you for considering me for [position] at [organization]. Unfortunately, I must decline your offer due to [negotiation item that you couldn't agree on]. It was a pleasure meeting both you and your team, and I wish you all continued success."
  • "Thank you very much for your offer of [position] at [organization]. I regret that I must decline this offer as I have just accepted an offer at another organization. I truly appreciate the time and effort that went into the recruitment process."

When you accept an offer, don't forget to withdraw from any ongoing interview processes.

  • "Thank you for considering me for [position] at [organization]. I appreciate the opportunity to interview but am writing to withdraw my name from the recruitment process. I wish you a successful search."
Accepting an offer

In addition to verbally accepting an offer, you'll want to confirm in writing (usually by email), and follow any instructions they have for signing and submitting documentation.

Example

  • "Thank you very much! I am happy to accept the attached offer."

Recommended Resources

  • Want to read more about how to negotiate? Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by R. Fisher, W. Ury, and B. Patton is a very popular starting point for learning about negotiation.
  • Seeking more perspectives? Talk to people you trust! Just as you've done at prior stages of the job search process, it is critical to use your network during the negotiation stage. Consult people who have recently gone through this process and ask them how they navigated the negotiations, what strategies they found to be effective, and what they wish they had done differently.
  • Looking for personalized support? Schedule a 1:1 appointment or visit office hours to talk with a career consultant! If you need to meet with us sooner than our next available appointment or office hours, please email [email protected] and let us know about your deadline.