Always negotiate! Negotiating your salary sets a precedence for future conversations. What if you’re happy with the proposed salary? Negotiate for an extra week of vacation. Your employer needs to know that you understand your value. If you don’t know where to begin, hire a coach to help build confidence. The truth is if you don’t negotiate, someone else will get the salary you deserve.

While you may have dropped subtle hints throughout your interview process, your official negotiation typically begins upon receipt of your written offer. If you feel comfortable, you can do this over the phone. If not, using e-mail is perfectly fine. Please don’t forget to negotiate your total compensation and not just your salary. If working with a recruiter, they may negotiate on your behalf.

Always negotiate! I recommend checking out Salary.com to see what the range is for your role. Ask for what you believe you are worth and see if they will add 5-10% base pay and/or 2-5% additional bonus or equity. They may not be able to budge on the budgeted salary but could increase other incentives that are performance based.​

Know in advance what you need and say “Thank you so much for the offer. I’m very excited about the opportunity to join your team. Based on my research and the value I will deliver in this role; my goal is to discuss a salary closer to $XX,XXX. What flexibility is there for your offer?” If they can’t increase the salary, consider negotiating other aspects of the compensation package.