Negotiating your salary without burning the offer

Most offers have room, and most employers expect a counter. Handled well, negotiating signals confidence — not greed.

The low-risk approach

• Say thank you first — enthusiasm before the ask.
• Anchor on value — tie the number to what you bring.
• Ask once, clearly — 'Is there flexibility to get to $X?'

Beyond base pay

If salary is fixed, negotiate the rest: signing bonus, extra PTO, remote days, a review in six months, or a title that helps your next move.

A polite, specific ask almost never costs you the offer. Not asking almost always costs you money.