Salary Negotiation Scripts That Actually Work

Studies consistently show that people who negotiate their salary earn $1M+ more over their careers than those who don't. Yet 60% of candidates accept the first offer. Here are the scripts that change that.

Before You Negotiate

Know your number. Research salaries on LinkedIn Salary, Glassdoor, and Levels.fyi for your specific role, level, and location. Your target number should be 10-15% above the midpoint of the range — this gives you room to land where you want.

Use CVAgent's Salary Estimator to get a market-calibrated range based on your resume and target role.

Script 1: When They Ask Your Salary Expectation

Never be the first to name a number if you can avoid it. Try: "I'd love to understand the full scope of the role before discussing compensation. Could you share the budgeted range for this position?"

If they push: "Based on my research into market rates for this role in [city], and given my [X years] of experience in [key skill], I'm targeting a range of [market rate + 10%] to [market rate + 20%]. But I'm flexible based on the total package."

Script 2: The Counter-Offer

When you receive an offer, never accept on the call. "Thank you so much — I'm genuinely excited about this role. I'd like to take a day to review everything carefully. Can I get back to you by [specific day]?"

Then counter via email: "I'm very enthusiastic about joining [Company] and I've thought carefully about the offer. Based on my research and experience, I was expecting something closer to [target]. Is there flexibility to move the base to [number]?"

Script 3: Handling "That's Our Maximum"

When they say they can't move on base, pivot to other levers: "I understand. Is there flexibility on the signing bonus? Or could we revisit the salary after 6 months with a performance review built in?"

Other negotiable levers: equity vesting schedule, remote work days, extra vacation days, professional development budget, title upgrade.

The Power of Silence

After you state your counter, stop talking. The instinct to fill silence is strong — resist it. Silence signals confidence. The first person to talk after the number is named usually loses ground.

When to Walk Away

If the offer is more than 15% below your researched market rate and they truly can't move, it's a signal about how the company values compensation broadly. Your earning trajectory at a company that underpays at hire is usually worse than starting fresh somewhere else.