Negotiating a job offer can feel intimidating, but it is an important part of your career journey. It helps you make sure the offer reflects your skills, experience, and the value you bring. The Center for Career Engagement can support you with resources and one-on-one coaching so you can approach the conversation with confidence.
Before You Receive an Offer
It is usually best to avoid discussing salary before you receive a job offer. You cannot really negotiate a job you have not been offered yet.
Sometimes employers ask about salary to see whether your expectations are in the same range as theirs. They may also ask about your current or past salary. In some places, that is not allowed by law. If you are a graduate student or postdoc, prior salary may not be especially relevant if the role is not a market-salary industry position.
If you do not give a salary requirement, you may get a screening call about salary. A good response is to ask for the salary range first:
“I know we do not want to waste each other’s time if we are far apart on salary. May I ask what range you are considering for this position?”
If they will not share a range and want your number before scheduling an interview, you can respond with a broad range:
“Depending on the management style of the company, overtime hours required, training and support available, benefits, commuting and travel time, fit with my long-term career goals, and opportunities for advancement, my salary expectations range from $XX to $YY. I am free [day and time] for an interview. Which time would work for you?”
You can say:
“I would like to learn more about the position before discussing salary. As we move through the interview process, I would expect my salary to align with market rates for similar positions in this area.”
You can also ask:
“What do you usually pay someone for this position?”
Research comparable salaries
Before you negotiate, it helps to research what similar jobs pay. This gives you a better sense of your market value and helps you make a stronger case for fair compensation.
- Glassdoor Salaries
- LinkedIn Salary
- Indeed Salaries
- Payscale
- Salary.com
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Non-profit salary resources
Understand your total compensation
Your compensation is more than just your base salary. Benefits can add significant value to an offer.
Benefits may include:
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Bonuses or commissions
- Stock options or equity
- Professional development support
- Wellness programs
- Transportation reimbursement
- Meal stipends
- Childcare assistance
In many cases, benefits can add another 25 to 40 percent to the value of a salary.
Should I Negotiate?
Yes, in most cases it is a good idea to consider negotiating your first post-grad offer. Negotiating can help you secure fair compensation and shows that you understand your value.
That said, not everything is negotiable. Some benefits are standard across employees, and others are shaped by company policy, government rules, or tax law.
Do I have to negotiate?
No, you are not required to negotiate. But it is often worth considering if there are parts of the offer you would like improved.
Take time to review the full offer and decide what matters most to you. Then approach the conversation professionally.
How Do I Negotiate?
Here are a few helpful steps:
- Say thank you and share a compliment
- Stay positive and flexible
- Treat the conversation as a discussion, not a confrontation
- Avoid getting too personal or oversharing
- Know your value and be ready to explain what you bring to the role
- Make your ask clearly
- Pause and listen
- Be ready to discuss your accomplishments, skills, and experience
- Practice ahead of time
Sample Role Play: First Job Offer
Start in a positive way and look for common ground.
You might say:
“Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the details of the offer. I am excited about this position and the opportunity to work at Company X. I believe I can bring real value to the team.”
You can also mention shared goals:
“We share a strong interest in [goal or value].”
First, decide what matters most to you. Possible negotiables include:
- Salary
- Flexible scheduling
- Remote work
- Time off
- Other benefits
Before you begin, identify:
- Your target
- Your walk-away point
- Your supporting research
- Your value statements
Try to connect your request to the value you bring.
For example:
“Based on my experience doing _ for years and my research on market salary data for this role in this area, a fair range would be $75,000 to $90,000. Since my experience will be especially valuable to the team because of __, I would like to discuss a salary of $85,000.”
Or:
“I understand that the posted salary range for this role is $75,000 to $80,000 and that it requires X years of experience. Since I have more than X years of experience and additional experience in __, I would like to discuss a salary that better reflects my background. I would like to propose $85,000. Would that be possible?”
End by thanking them and asking for the updated offer in writing.
A few important notes:
- You do not need to accept the offer on the phone right away
- Once you finish negotiating, try not to keep reopening the discussion
- Make your requests clearly and all at once
- Be prepared
- Be respectful
- Be specific
- Be confident
- Practice with a career advisor, friend, or mentor before the real conversation