1Why You Should Always Negotiate
If you're nervous about negotiating, you're not alone. Most new grads worry they'll come across as greedy or—worse—that the company will pull the offer. But that almost never happens.Companies expect you to negotiate, and they build room into their offers for it.
The Math of Negotiation
If you negotiate a $5,000 increase on a $70,000 offer:
- • Year 1: +$5,000
- • Over 5 years (with 3% raises): +$27,000
- • Over 10 years: +$57,000
- • Over 40-year career: +$250,000+
2Researching Your Market Value
You can't negotiate effectively if you don't know what's reasonable. Spend 30 minutes researching what people in similar roles actually make.
Best Salary Research Resources:
Entry-Level Salary Ranges (2025):
| Role | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $85,000 | $110,000 | $150,000 |
| Data Analyst | $60,000 | $75,000 | $95,000 |
| Product Manager | $90,000 | $115,000 | $145,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $65,000 | $80,000 | $100,000 |
| Marketing Coordinator | $45,000 | $55,000 | $70,000 |
| Consultant | $75,000 | $95,000 | $120,000 |
3When to Negotiate
The Right Time to Negotiate
- • After you receive a written offer
- • Before you accept or sign anything
- • When you have leverage (other offers, unique skills)
- • When you've done your research
The Wrong Time to Negotiate
- • During the interview process (too early)
- • After you've already accepted
- • When you have no data to support your ask
- • Via email when a call would be better
4Proven Negotiation Strategies
Strategy 1: Anchor High
Start with a number 10-20% higher than your target. This gives you room to negotiate down while still landing at your desired salary. Research shows the first number mentioned heavily influences the final outcome.
Strategy 2: Use Precise Numbers
Instead of asking for "$80,000," ask for "$82,500." Precise numbers signal that you've done your research and have a specific rationale. Studies show precise asks are more successful than round numbers.
Strategy 3: Have a BATNA
BATNA = Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement. Having another offer or being willing to walk away gives you leverage. Even if you don't have another offer, know your walkaway point before negotiating.
5Word-for-Word Negotiation Scripts
Script 1: Initial Counter-Offer
Script 2: When They Say the Offer is Final
Script 3: When You Have Another Offer
Script 4: Accepting After Negotiation
6Beyond Base Salary: What Else to Negotiate
If the company can't budge on base salary, there are many other valuable items you can negotiate.
Monetary Benefits
- • Signing bonus ($5,000-$20,000)
- • Annual bonus target
- • Stock options/RSUs
- • Relocation assistance
- • 401(k) matching
- • Student loan repayment
Non-Monetary Benefits
- • Extra PTO days
- • Remote work flexibility
- • Earlier start date
- • Professional development budget
- • Better job title
- • Earlier performance review