Real Salary Negotiation Scripts

What to say, and how to write it

The most common way people lose ground in a negotiation is "not knowing what to say, so just accepting." Below is ready-to-use wording for a few common situations. Three principles run through all of it: lead with evidence, not emotion; use a collaborative tone, not a demand; and be specific with numbers.

1. Right after you get an offer (buy yourself time)

"Thank you for the offer — I'm excited about it. Would it be possible to take a few days to review it thoroughly? I'll get back to you with a decision after considering the full package."

Don't accept or decline on the spot. Simply securing time to think gives you the upper hand in the negotiation.

2. Asking for a higher base salary

"I'm largely happy with the offer. Would it be possible to adjust the base salary by $X? This is based on the market rate for this role and experience level, along with my recent track record (e.g. results from Project X)."

Naming "base salary" specifically, rather than "total," pays off in the long run. See Bonus vs. Base Salary for why.

3. When the total works but the composition doesn't

"I understand the total compensation level. That said, since a large share is signing bonus/performance bonus, I wanted to ask whether it's possible to rebalance toward a larger base-salary share."

4. When you have another offer (leverage)

"I currently have an offer elsewhere as well. I'd genuinely prefer to work with your team, but if the terms could reach around $X, it would make my decision much easier."

Fabricating a competing offer is risky. Only use this when it's true, and frame it as information, not a threat.

5. When you're told the budget doesn't allow it

"I understand. In that case, could we discuss other ways to make up the difference — a signing bonus, an early salary review (say, after 6 months), or a title/level adjustment?"

When cash is capped, widen the negotiation to other levers.

Pre-negotiation checklist

Know the role/experience-level position of your offer (or target number).
Have 2–3 pieces of evidence ready, quantified.
Decide your walk-away line and target ahead of time.

Check where your target number sits in the market first → Salary Negotiation Calculator. Also read: What percentage should you ask for

※ These scripts are for reference — adjust them to fit your actual situation and company culture.