How to negotiate your first job offer
Thank them, ask for the offer in writing, and take a day to think. Then make one polite, specific ask with a reason behind it: the posted range, published pay data for the role, or a competing offer. Salary is not the only lever. A signing bonus, start date or relocation help is often easier to move.
Should you negotiate your first offer?
Usually, yes, as long as you ask well. Recruiters expect questions about an offer, and a polite, specific ask is a normal part of the process, not an insult. When you ask that way, the usual worst case is a friendly no.
There are real exceptions. Some large programs pay every new grad in a role the same and say so up front. Even then, the start date, relocation or a signing bonus may have room. Asking what is flexible is always fair.
What should you do when the offer arrives?
A few calm moves, before any negotiating:
- Say thank you and that you are excited, because you are
- Ask for the full offer in writing: base pay, bonus, benefits and start date
- Ask when they need your answer
- Do not accept or counter on the spot. “Could I take a day or two to look it over?” is a normal request
How do you know what to ask for?
Ground your number in something real. Start with the pay range in the posting, if there is one, then published salary data for the role, level and city. Your career center may know what recent graduates from your school were offered.
Pick one specific number toward the upper end of what is reasonable, with a reason you can say in a sentence. A number with a reason gets taken seriously. “A bit more” does not.
What do you actually say?
Short, warm and specific, on a call or in an email:
Is this the best you can do? I was hoping for more.
Thank you again, I am excited about this role. Based on the posted range and what I am seeing for analyst roles in Denver, I was hoping for a base closer to $72,000. If we can get there, I am ready to accept.
Then stop talking and let them answer. Saying you will accept if they meet the ask gives the conversation a finish line, and recruiters take that seriously. Only say it if it is true.
What else can you negotiate besides salary?
When base pay is fixed, other parts of an offer often are not:
- A signing bonus, often easier to approve than a higher base
- Your start date, especially if you are finishing a semester or moving
- Relocation help
- An earlier first pay review, in writing
- A budget for training or a certification
What if they say no?
Then you decide on the offer as it stands, with nothing lost. Thank them, use the time you were given, and choose.
If you accept, accept warmly and in writing. Then stop applying, and let the other companies you were talking to know. Withdrawing kindly matters in a small professional world.
Asked.Answered.
It is uncommon when the ask is polite and specific. Ultimatums, repeated asks and stalling are what put offers at risk.
Usually not on pay, since internship rates tend to be set. Start date and housing help are fairer questions.
Ask for the deadline. A few days to a week is common. If you need longer because of another process, say so honestly and ask.