Story & Questions: Negotiate a Salary Offer

You got the offer. That means they want you. But the number on the page is an opening bid - not a final decision. Most candidates either accept it as-is because they are afraid of losing the offer, or counter so aggressively they damage the relationship before day one. Both are mistakes.

The coach has been on both sides of this conversation - as the recruiter making the offer and as the coach preparing candidates to respond. The framework is Appreciate → Anchor → Ask. First, open with genuine enthusiasm. You are excited about the role - say so. Then anchor your counter in market data: not what you need, not what your friend makes, but what the market pays for this role at this level. Finally, make a clear, collaborative ask - specific number, no ultimatums, no apologies.

In this session the coach will roleplay the recruiter - including pushback, silence, and the dreaded "is that a dealbreaker" question. You will practice holding your ground without sounding rigid, and expressing warmth without weakening your position. The goal is to walk into that conversation knowing exactly what to say - and being able to say it without your voice shaking.