How to Negotiate a Tech Job Offer

Before entering any negotiation, you must know your market value. Use tools like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind to gather compensation data for your role, level, and location. Focus on total compensation (base salary, equity, bonuses) and compare offers from multiple companies if possible.

Create a list of your unique strengths, such as specialized skills, relevant experience, or competing offers. This leverage allows you to justify your requests with data, not emotion.

A common mistake is negotiating without a clear number in mind. Determine your walk-away point and a realistic target range beforehand.

When you receive an offer, always respond with genuine enthusiasm for the role and company. Then, request time to review the details: 'I'm very excited about this opportunity and the team. Could you please send over the full written offer? I'll review it and get back to you within a few days.'

Never accept or reject on the spot. Asking for 24-48 hours is standard; you can also ask for up to a week if you have competing offers. Use this time to research and strategize.

Avoid making demands immediately. Instead, express gratitude and set a specific time for a follow-up call to discuss the offer.

When presenting a counter, be specific about what you want and why. For example: 'Based on my research and the value I bring, I'd like to discuss a base salary of $X, which aligns with the market for this level in our city. I also think an additional Y RSUs would reflect the impact I expect to make.'

Anchor your requests with concrete justifications: your experience, skills, competing offers, or industry benchmarks. Avoid vague statements like 'I think I deserve more.'

Prioritize your asks: salary is often the hardest to move, while signing bonuses and equity have more flexibility. Ask for a mix if needed. Also, consider negotiating for non-monetary items like remote work flexibility or professional development budgets.

Equity can be confusing. Ask for the total number of shares, vesting schedule (typically 4-year with 1-year cliff), and the company's current valuation or 409A price to estimate future value. Don't focus solely on strike price; consider the potential growth and liquidity events.

If the base salary is capped, negotiate for a signing bonus, performance bonus, or a guaranteed annual bonus. Also, ask for a refresher equity grant policy.

For remote roles, consider cost-of-living adjustments. Some companies offer location-based pay; if you're in a high-cost area, this can be a key negotiation point.

If the company cannot meet your demands, ask if there's any flexibility in other areas. For example: 'I understand the base salary is firm. Could we increase the signing bonus or equity to close the gap?'

If you receive a counter-offer from your current employer, weigh it carefully. Often, accepting a counter can lead to a short-term fix but damage long-term trust. However, if the new offer is significantly better, use it as leverage but be prepared to leave.

Always get the final offer in writing before resigning or accepting. Send a thank-you note after the negotiation, regardless of the outcome, to maintain a positive relationship.