Salary Negotiation Script: Exactly What to Say When Negotiating Your Job Offer and Compensation

Most people freeze up during the negotiation process. Your brain goes blank. You stumble over words. You end up saying something you regret or, worse, saying nothing at all.

Having a salary negotiation script removes the anxiety. You know exactly what to say before the conversation even starts. You've practiced it. You're prepared. That confidence shows, and it makes a huge difference in the outcome.

Here's one big thing to understand: negotiation success comes from preparation, not from being naturally charismatic or aggressive. The best negotiators aren't smooth talkers. They're people who did their market research, focused on knowing your worth, and have specific number targets ready to go. This principle will hold true whether you're a recent grad or a senior professional.

Before you counter anything, always express gratitude. Thank you so much for the offer. This sets the right tone and shows professionalism.

Here's what that sounds like: "Thank you so much for this offer. I'm really excited about this opportunity and I'd love to work with the team. Before I accept, I'd like to discuss the compensation package."

This approach does two things. It shows you're genuinely interested, which gives the employer confidence they're not wasting time. And it opens the door to negotiate without being confrontational.

This question comes up early in the interview process, and how you handle it matters. If you give a specific number too early, you risk lowball yourself before you even know the job responsibilities or what the role entails.

Here's your script: "I'd prefer to learn more about the role and what it entails before discussing compensation. That said, I want to make sure we're aligned. What's the salary range you've budgeted for this position?"

This puts the ball back in their court. You're not avoiding the question. You're asking them to show their cards first. Based on your research, you'll know if their range aligns with market value for similar roles.

You got the job offer. Congratulations. Now it's time to negotiate salary. Don't accept the first offer immediately, even if it seems like a generous offer.

Here's your script: "Thank you for this offer. I'm very excited about this opportunity. Based on my years of experience and the value I bring to this new role, I was hoping for a base salary closer to [your target number]. Would it be possible to revisit the base salary?"

Notice what this script does. You express gratitude. You state your rationale. You give a specific number. And you ask an open-ended question that invites discussion rather than demanding an answer.

If they push back, try this: "I understand there may be budget constraints. Is there wiggle room in other areas like a signing bonus, stock options, or PTO?"

Sometimes the recruiter says the salary is non-negotiable. Don't take this at face value. It often isn't true.

Your script: "I appreciate you being upfront. Is the hiring manager or HR open to discussing this? I want to make sure we find an arrangement that works for both of us."

If they truly can't move on base salary, get creative with other compensation elements. You can negotiate a sign-on bonus, professional development budget, certification reimbursement, extra PTO, remote work, or stock options. These are all part of your total compensation package and can help meet your salary goals in other ways.

Here's the script: "If the base salary is fixed, I'd like to discuss the total compensation package. Would you be open to discussing a signing bonus or additional PTO to help bridge the gap?"

Having multiple interviews or offers gives you leverage. Use it wisely without being arrogant.

Your script: "I want to be transparent. I have another offer from a potential employer at a higher salary. I want to work here because [specific reason like xyz company culture], but I want to make sure the compensation is competitive. Is there flexibility to meet your salary expectations closer to what the other company is offering?"

This works because you're being honest and you're giving them a reason to compete. Use this leverage wisely. The employer knows you're a strong candidate who other companies want. That's valuable information that often loosens budget constraints. Navigate this conversation carefully by staying professional.

After coaching developers through hundreds of salary negotiations, I've seen the same errors repeatedly:

• Accepting the first offer without asking: Most initial offers have room for negotiation. By accepting the first number immediately, you leave money on the table.
• Making it about your needs: Don't say you need a higher salary for rent or bills. Focus on the unique value you bring to the table and market data for similar roles.
• Being vague: Always give a specific number based on salary research. "A bit more" isn't a negotiation position.

Sometimes the employer genuinely can't meet your salary expectations. That's okay. You still have options.

Ask about future salary reviews: "If we can't adjust the base salary now, would it be possible to revisit this in six months based on my performance?" This approach protects your future salary growth potential.

Or negotiate non-salary benefits package items like work-life balance perks, flexible hours, remote work options, or a development budget for conferences and certification courses. You can also ask about the value you bring and how that might translate to faster reviews. Implement these strategies to maximize your overall compensation even when the base number won't budge.

Reading this isn't enough. You need to practice these scripts out loud to negotiate your salary effectively. Get a friend to role-play the hiring manager while you rehearse your responses.

Before your next interview or job search, do your market research. Know what similar roles pay based on company size, industry and location. Sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn can help you establish salary data benchmarks. Use the analytics from these salary comparison tools to build your case.

Remember: salary negotiation is a skill. The more you practice, the better you get. The first time feels awkward. By the third or fourth job offer, it feels natural. That work ethic toward improvement will get paid back many times over throughout your career.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation? Never accept the first offer without asking if there's flexibility. Employers expect negotiation and usually have budget room. Express gratitude, then make your counter.

What is the best verbiage to counter a salary offer? Say "Thank you for this offer. Based on my skills and experience and the market value for this role, I was hoping for something closer to [specific number]. Is there flexibility in the budget?" Your skills and experience justify asking for more.

What to say during a salary negotiation? Start with gratitude. State your value. Give a specific number with rationale. Ask an open-ended question. Keep the conversation collaborative, not confrontational.

What is the 70 30 rule in negotiation? The 70 30 rule means you should listen 70% of the time and talk only 30% of the time. By letting the other party speak more, you gather information about their constraints and priorities. This helps you make better counteroffers and find solutions that work for both sides.