Negotiate Your Offer

The first negotiation is internal. Before you ever speak with a hiring manager or your boss, you have to reconcile this truth:

Negotiating doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you intentional.

You’re not demanding. You’re aligning.

You’re not inflating. You’re reflecting.

The goal isn’t to “win” the conversation. The goal is to honor your contributions and build a mutual agreement—one that recognizes both the value you bring and the value the company offers.

This mindset shift changes everything:

• It softens fear and makes space for curiosity.

• It transforms the conversation from a contest into a partnership.

• It builds presence—calm, grounded, and clear.

Self-worth isn't just a feeling. It's a fact backed by data.  Do your research with the intention of creating clarity, not confrontation. Some helpful tools:

• Salary data platforms: Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Payscale, Robert Half

• Industry reports and professional association benchmarks: Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Conversations with trusted peers, mentors, and alumni

But numbers are only half the story. Context matters. Consider:

• The size and stage of the company

• Your years of relevant experience

• Specialized skills, certifications, or leadership roles

• Your track record of results—quantify where possible

Think of this as preparing a value narrative—not a pitch, but a perspective.

Your BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement) is your fallback: another offer, a current job, a freelance option, or simply walking away. 

Knowing your BATNA builds quiet confidence. You don’t need to say it out loud. You just need to feel it in your bones.

Still, the power in negotiation doesn’t lie in ultimatums. It lies in presence, curiosity, and connection.

Start the conversation with this intention:  “I want this to work for both of us.”

Be human. Listen well. Ask thoughtful questions:

• “How do you approach compensation here?”

• “What range do you have in mind for this role?”

• “How do you typically reward top performers?”

You don’t have to mimic someone else’s negotiation style. If you’re naturally warm, stay warm. If you’re analytical, be precise.

Let your personality come through—just anchor it in self-respect.

Remember:

• It’s okay to pause before you respond.

• It’s okay to say, “I’d like to think that over.”

• It’s okay to smile and say, “I’d love to find a number we’re both excited about.”

Negotiation isn’t performance. It’s presence. 

The most powerful thing you can bring to the table is you—aware of your value, calm in your tone, clear in your ask.

If the offer aligns with your expectations: celebrate it and clarify next steps.  If it doesn’t: thank them, restate your interest, and revisit your ask.

Here’s an example:

“I’m really excited about this opportunity. Based on the scope of the role and my background in [X], I was hoping for something closer to [$Y]. Is there room to move in that direction?”

You’re not asking for a favor. You’re offering perspective. 

The best outcomes come when both parties feel seen and respected.