You just received a job offer. You're relieved, excited, maybe a little nervous. And then the number lands in your inbox and you think: should I ask for more?
Yes. Almost always, yes. Studies consistently show that fewer than 40% of job seekers negotiate their first offer, but more than 80% of employers have room to negotiate and expect to. The offer you receive is rarely the final offer. It's the opening bid.
A £5,000 salary increase at 30 compounds over a career. It affects every raise, every bonus, every future offer that anchors from your current salary. The 10 minutes it takes to negotiate is the highest-ROI conversation of your professional life.
Before You Negotiate: Know Your Number
You need three numbers before any negotiation: your target (what you actually want), your minimum (what you'll accept), and your anchor (the number you open with, which should be above your target).
Research your number using: Glassdoor and LinkedIn salary data, industry-specific salary surveys, your current salary (plus the premium for leaving), and any competing offers you have or can credibly reference.
The Golden Rule: Always Respond to an Offer in Writing First
If an offer comes over the phone, do not negotiate immediately. Say: "Thank you so much — I'm really excited about this. I'd love to take a day to review everything properly and come back to you. Would that be alright?" This gives you time to think, research, and compose your response rather than reacting in real time.
Word-for-Word Negotiation Scripts
Script 1: Email Counter-Offer (Most Common)
Script 2: Phone Counter-Offer
Script 3: Competing Offer (If You Have One)
Handling Common Pushbacks
"That's the top of our band for this role."
"We've given you our best offer."
"Can you give us a decision today?"
Never give a number first if you can avoid it. Once you name a number, you've anchored low if you guessed too conservative or raised red flags if you went too high. Flip it back: "I'd love to hear what you're thinking for this role."
What Else Is Negotiable Besides Salary
- Signing bonus (often easier to flex than base salary)
- Remote working days per week
- Start date (sometimes you want later, sometimes earlier)
- Performance review timing (6 months vs 12 months)
- Annual leave days
- Professional development budget
- Job title
The One Thing That Kills Salary Negotiation
Apologising. "Sorry to ask, but..." or "I hope you don't mind me saying..." frames your reasonable request as an imposition. You are not asking for a favour. You are engaging in a professional conversation that every employer expects. Drop the apology and make the ask clearly and warmly.
Practice salary negotiation conversations on CentricQ — with AI playing the hiring manager so you're ready for every pushback.
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