How to Create a Salary Negotiation Script

• A script helps you stay clear and confident, avoid stumbling when asked about salary, and ensures you cover all elements of the compensation package, not just base pay.
• If you wing it, you risk undervaluing yourself. Planning the exact words you'll say (or write in an email) gives you control.
• With a well-prepared script, you're more likely to secure a higher salary and set a strong foundation for future raises or bonuses.

Over the years, I've developed a few critical principles that should shape your approach to salary negotiation.

1. Know the market and your salary range. I always tell people to research typical pay for your role (title, location, skill level) using tools like Glassdoor. You can't negotiate effectively if you don't know what you're worth.
2. The first offer isn't final. A job offer is just a starting point. Almost everything is negotiable: base salary, bonus, benefits, PTO, and more. I've seen people negotiate everything from start dates to remote work arrangements.
3. Think long-term because starting salary compounds. Since future raises and bonuses usually base off your current salary, negotiating a strong base early can pay off big over time. I've seen developers lose hundreds of thousands over their careers because they didn't negotiate that first offer.
4. Don't narrow negotiation to just salary. Evaluate the full offer: vacation, equity, flexibility, benefits. Sometimes a seemingly lower base salary plus a better overall package is actually more valuable. I've helped people negotiate packages where the total compensation was significantly higher even with a lower base.

Use this script as a starting point. You can adapt it based on whether it's a face-to-face conversation, phone call, or email.

"Thank you for the offer and for the time you've taken to evaluate me. Based on my research of industry standards and my background in [mention key skill or responsibility], I was expecting a base salary in the range of [your desired salary-range]. I'm confident I can bring value through my skills and commitment. If possible, I'd like to discuss the compensation package in more detail, including base salary, bonus potential, and other benefits, to ensure it aligns with the market and my experience."

If you want to counter:

"I appreciate the offer at [original offer], but given my experience and the typical pay scale for this role in this region, I'd like to propose [counter amount] as a starting salary. I'm open to discussing bonus structure, PTO, and other elements if there's limited budget for base pay."

Why this works:

• You open with gratitude, showing you value the offer.
• You reference market research, not simply your desires, that adds credibility.
• You show flexibility by considering total compensation, not only base salary.
• You stay confident but collaborative, leaving room for compromise (e.g. bonus, PTO, equity, etc.)

Subject: Discussion on Offer, [Position Title]

Hi [Hiring Manager / HR Name],

Thank you for extending the offer for the [Position Title] role. I'm excited about the opportunity and confident I can contribute strongly with my background in [skills/responsibilities].

Based on market research and comparable roles for this position, I expected a base salary around [desired base salary]. Considering the full package, base pay, bonus potential, and benefits, I'd like to explore whether there's flexibility to adjust the offer to better reflect this benchmark.

I'm eager to join the team and contribute value; I just want to make sure the compensation aligns with the role's responsibilities and market standards.

Thank you again for the offer, and for your time to discuss.

Best regards,
[Your Name]