01
Don't negotiate an offer you don't fully understand.
Before deciding what to ask for, make sure you understand what has actually been offered. Look beyond the base salary to the working pattern, expected hours, bonus or variable pay, annual leave, benefits, contract terms and any other condition that could affect your decision.
Sort the important parts into three states:
You know what the offer includes.
Something has been mentioned, but you don't fully understand how it works.
You understand the position and would genuinely like it to change.
02
You don't have to negotiate just because you received an offer.
Start with one honest question: If nothing changed, would I still accept?
There may be nothing important enough to push on. You can still clarify unanswered questions without turning them into negotiation points.
A focused negotiation may make sense. Identify the changes that would materially improve the opportunity rather than creating a shopping list.
Be clear about what needs to change and what outcome would make the offer workable. You do not need to frame that as an ultimatum.
03
Focus on the things that could change your decision.
Depending on the offer and what matters to you, a negotiation might cover:
- Base salary.
- Bonus or commission structure.
- Working pattern or remote and hybrid flexibility.
- Working hours.
- Annual leave.
- Start date.
- Title or scope, where it is genuinely material.
- Significant benefits or allowances.
- Another material term.
You don't need to negotiate every part of the package. Pick the one, two or perhaps three things that would make the biggest difference to how you feel about the offer.
04
Don't start the conversation without knowing what "better" looks like.
For each area you plan to raise, decide what each outcome would mean:
What would you genuinely like?
Is there another version that would still meaningfully improve the offer?
Would you still accept if they said no?
05
Your negotiation doesn't happen in a vacuum.
The context around the offer affects how you approach the conversation. Ask yourself:
- Did you already discuss salary expectations?
- Did the employer meet those expectations?
- Has the offer already been improved?
- Did they already accommodate something you asked for?
- What is your relationship like with the recruiter or hiring contact?
- Do you have another genuine offer?
- How much do you actually want this role?
06
Build a reason, not just a request.
You do not need an essay. Give enough context to make clear what you are asking for and why it matters.
WEAKER
Can you increase the salary?WHAT'S MISSINGThe employer knows the request, but not the relevant context or what you want to explore.
BETTER
I'm really excited about the role. The one part I'd like to discuss before accepting is the base salary.ADD THE REAL CONTEXTBased on the scope of the position and what we'd previously discussed, I was hoping there may be some flexibility around the offer.
07
Use what's true.
You do not need to invent another offer, exaggerate your current package, pretend to have salary research you do not have or manufacture leverage.
If you genuinely have another offer, that may be relevant context. If you do not, use the real reasons the requested change matters to your decision.
08
Email or call?
There's no universal right answer. Use the format that gives you the clearest conversation.
EMAIL CAN WORK WELL WHEN
- You want to organise your thoughts carefully.
- There are one or two straightforward requests.
- Communication has mainly happened by email.
- You want a clear written request.
A CALL CAN WORK WELL WHEN
- Several parts of the offer are connected.
- You expect back and forth.
- The relationship has been conversational.
- You want to understand what flexibility exists.
09
How to negotiate a job offer by email.
Keep the message focused:
- Start positively.
- Identify what you'd like to discuss.
- Explain briefly why.
- Ask whether there is flexibility.
- Close positively.
10
How to negotiate on a call.
Before the call, write down:
- What I want to raise.
- Why it matters.
- What I'd ideally like.
- What alternatives I'd consider.
- What I still need to ask.
- What I'll do if the answer is no.
11
What if they say no?
A no gives you more information about the final offer. What happens next depends on the response:
- If salary cannot move: another part of the offer may have flexibility, such as the working pattern, start date, annual leave or another material term. The employer does not have to offer an alternative.
- If they need approval: ask when you can expect an answer.
- If the offer is fixed: listen to the explanation and use it as part of your decision.
- If nothing changes: return to the question, would I still accept this offer as it stands?
Negotiation is not a game you only win if something changes. A clear answer can help you make a clearer decision.
12
Sometimes the best move is not to push.
Leaving something alone may be sensible when the salary already matches what you asked for, the employer has already improved the package, the point is not actually important to your decision, or another request could distract from the one thing you genuinely care about.
13
Get the final position clear before you decide.
After the conversation:
- Confirm any agreed changes.
- Review the updated offer or written confirmation.
- Check whether anything important remains unclear.
- Compare the final position with what matters to you.
- Make the decision.
If you need advice on the meaning or effect of a contract term in your location, use an appropriately qualified local adviser.
14
A simple job offer negotiation checklist.
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
Keep the conversation focused on what matters.
Use this checklist as preparation, not a script.
- ☐ I understand the offer.
- ☐ I know what is still unclear.
- ☐ I've chosen what is actually worth raising.
- ☐ I know my preferred outcome.
- ☐ I know whether I'd still accept if nothing changed.
- ☐ I'm using genuine context, not manufactured leverage.
- ☐ Start positively.
- ☐ Make the request clearly.
- ☐ Explain why it matters.
- ☐ Listen to the response.
- ☐ Ask questions where needed.
- ☐ Don't negotiate extra things just to fill the silence.
- ☐ Confirm any changes.
- ☐ Review the final offer.
- ☐ Revisit the trade-offs.
- ☐ Make the decision based on the final position.