Three Salary Negotiation Scripts That Actually Work
The exact language for the initial ask, the counter, and the 'is this your best offer' moment.
Most people don't negotiate their salary because they don't know what to say. The magic isn't in being aggressive — it's in being specific, polite, and quiet at the right moment. Three scripts you can literally read off your phone.
Script 1 · The initial ask.
"Thank you so much for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about the role. Based on the scope we discussed and market data for this position, I was hoping we could land closer to $[target]. Is there flexibility there?"
Then stop. Do not fill the silence. The next person to speak, in negotiation, loses ground. Count to ten in your head.
Script 2 · The counter.
"I really appreciate you coming back with $[their number]. That's a meaningful move. If we could meet at $[midpoint], I'd be ready to accept today."
Notice: gratitude, movement, a specific number, and a soft close. 'Ready to accept today' gives the recruiter a story to sell internally.
Script 3 · The last-look ask.
"This offer works for me. Before we sign, is there anything on the total-comp side — signing bonus, extra PTO, an earlier equity vest, a professional development budget — that you have room to add?"
Most recruiters expect at least one negotiation round. Asking about non-salary comp is often the easiest 'yes' they can give you.
Use the free calculator on the tools page to find your target number first, then pick the script that fits your moment.
The exact words to use when the offer arrives.