Prepare Your Negotiation Approach
Step by Step
Step by Step
Review your three numbers from Day 19: target salary, minimum acceptable salary, and opening ask. Confirm these are anchored to current market rates for this specific role.
Prepare your negotiation opener "Thank you so much for this offer. I am genuinely excited about this opportunity. The base salary is slightly below where I was hoping to land based on my research into current market rates for this role and my years of experience in this field. Is there any flexibility to get closer to [your target]?"
Prepare for common responses
If they meet your ask or come close: Accept warmly and ask for the full offer in writing. If they meet you halfway: Evaluate whether it works and accept if it does. If they say the salary is fixed: Ask about other components. "I understand. Is there any flexibility on the signing bonus, professional development budget, remote work arrangements, or additional vacation days?" If they say no to everything: Decide whether the full package is worth accepting given what this opportunity represents for your return.
Practice your opener out loud until it sounds natural and confident.
Tips Never apologize for negotiating. It is professional and expected at every level. The fact that you are returning from a break does not mean you have less leverage than a continuously employed candidate. Your experience is real and your market value reflects that experience.