Negotiating your compensation is one of the highest ROI conversations of your career. In 15 minutes, you can permanently alter your lifetime earnings trajectory.

The 3 Fundamental Rules of Tech Negotiation

Anchor Late: Avoid giving your current compensation or fixed salary expectations early in the process.
Evaluate Total Compensation: Dissect base salary, signing bonus, annual performance bonus, and stock vesting schedules.
Never Counter Verbally on the Spot: Always express excitement, thank the recruiter, and ask for the complete breakdown in writing.

1. The "Excited but Need to Review" Response

When a recruiter calls with an initial verbal offer, resist the urge to say yes immediately. Use this proven script:

"Thank you so much! I am thrilled about the opportunity to join the team and contribute to [key company initiative]. Before discussing numbers, could you share the comprehensive written breakdown including benefits, equity vesting, and performance bonuses so I can review it with my family?"

2. How to Counter with Market Evidence

Frame your counter-offer around market data, unique domain competencies, and competing timeline commitments rather than personal financial needs.

If a company is rigid on base salary due to internal band restrictions, pivot to negotiate a first-year sign-on bonus, accelerated stock vesting, or remote flexibility.

1:1 Strategy Call