Free Guide
The Salary Negotiation
Cheat Sheet
5 scripts for the 5 hardest moments
The Negotiation Room
The scripts
1
When you have an offer
The Opening Ask
"Thank you for the offer. I am genuinely excited about this role. Before I confirm, I would like to discuss the base salary. Based on current market data for this level of role in [city], the range sits between [X] and [Y]. Given my background in [specific area], I would like to propose [number]. Is that something you can work with?"
Key: Name one specific number. Never a range. Then say nothing.
2
When they say "no flexibility"
The Pushback Hold
"I appreciate you being direct. If the base is genuinely fixed, I would like to explore whether there is flexibility elsewhere. A signing bonus, a 90-day review, an extra day of remote working. What options do you have on your side?"
Key: "No flexibility" on base is almost never the full truth. Shift to a different budget line.
3
When they ask your salary first
The Salary Deflect
"I am keeping an open mind and would like to understand the full picture of the role first. What is the budgeted range for this position?"
Key: Whoever names a number first anchors the conversation. Make them go first.
4
When they say "this is our best and final"
The Final Offer Move
"I appreciate that. To make this work, I just need [one specific thing: signing bonus / confirmed review date / one extra day remote]. If that is possible, I am ready to sign today."
Key: Ask for one thing only. Two requests signals indecision. One signals seriousness.
5
After you reach agreement
The Confirming Close
"I am delighted to accept. To confirm what we agreed: [role], starting [date], at [salary], with [any agreed extras]. I will follow up in writing today to confirm the details."
Key: Always confirm in writing within 24 hours. Verbal agreements drift in memory.
The rule that changes everything
After you name your number: say nothing. The discomfort of silence belongs to both people in the room. The candidate who speaks first after an ask loses ground. They qualify the number, apologise for it, or offer to accept less before the other person has said a word. Count to eight. Wait. It will feel long. Wait anyway.
73%
of employers expect and are willing to negotiate
66%
of those who ask get a higher offer
18.8%
average uplift above the original offer
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