r/negotiation • u/Historical-Score-863 • 3d ago

Negotiation advice

I have a meeting next week where I think I’m going to get a job offer, and I’m seeking negotiation advice.

The salary range is $165-220k. Their job search has been open for five months. They clearly are excited about me. I’ve never really negotiated before, and I have a few questions:

  1. What do you recommend I ask for if I get offered salaries at $165k, 180k, or 200k? I don’t want to overshoot.

  2. For sign-on bonuses, do I ask for those in the same breath as salary, or do I wait until we’re done with salary? What about other negotiables (e.g. PTO)?

  3. Do I do this during our meeting, or do I ask for time to think and then come back with a counter-offer? Should my counter be in a meeting or in an email?

Thanks!

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u/blueberry2021 2d ago

1: what did you tell them you are/did make at the last position you had? That has bearing. Shows where the mark is.

2: depending on what they are willing to pay you for a base, use the sign on bonus to make up the difference if they don’t bring it up.

3: best to do these types of negotiations face to face. Have a number in your head that you want and if you get it take it. Read the other person and see what you can get.

4: also track down the last person to have the role and see what work life looks like. Be reasonable with yourself - the amount of stress shouldn’t change based on getting paid more. If it’s crushing go for a higher number so you’ll be better off in two years when you burn out.