Receiving a job offer is exciting—but before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to pause, evaluate, and understand what’s being offered. This section walks you through the process of reviewing a job offer, conducting research, and navigating salary and benefits negotiations with confidence and professionalism.
A 2022 Fidelity survey found that 85% of Americans who countered on salary, other compensation or benefits, or both, received at least some of what they negotiated for.(1)
Negotiating can be awkward. You don’t want to come off as ungrateful. You might even be concerned about losing the offer you have if you try to get a better one. That could be why most job candidates didn’t negotiate their salary for their last job offer, the same Fidelity study found.(1)
Luckily, about 90% of employers are open to negotiating, according to a survey from XpertHR, an HR solutions provider.(2) Still, there’s a way to go about it so you stay in your new employer’s good graces—and help your chances of getting a raise—or some other benefit you want.
1. “Fidelity Study Shows Young Professionals on the Move,” Fidelity, December 24, 2022.
2. “About Nine in 10 Employers Are Open to Negotiating Salary for Either Some Or All Positions, According to XpertHR’s 2021 Survey on Recruiting and Hiring,” XpertHR, February 9, 2021.
Understanding Your Offer
Job offers often include more than just a salary. Take time to review all components of the offer:
- Salary – Annual or hourly wage, and how often you’ll be paid.
- Benefits – Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more.
- Bonuses – Signing bonuses, performance-based bonuses, or profit sharing.
- Time Off – Vacation days, sick leave, holidays, and paid/unpaid time off.
- Work Schedule – Start date, expected hours, remote or hybrid options, overtime expectations.
- Job Title and Responsibilities – Make sure they align with what was discussed during interviews.
Ask questions if anything is unclear. It’s perfectly acceptable (and wise) to request the offer in writing and take a couple of days to review it.
Research & Benchmarking
Before negotiating or accepting, make sure you know what’s standard in your industry and region:
- Salary Research Tools: Use websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, Salary.com, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare average salaries and benefits for your role and location. View these resources below!
- Cost of Living: Factor in local expenses such as rent, transportation, and taxes. A higher salary in an expensive city may not go as far as a lower one in a more affordable area.
Negotiation Strategies
Negotiating can feel intimidating, but it’s a normal and expected part of the hiring process. Here are a few steps to guide you:
- Be Gracious and Professional: Express gratitude for the offer and excitement about the opportunity—this sets a positive tone.
- Prepare Your Points: Identify why you’re asking for more (market value, cost of relocation, your qualifications, or competing offers.)
- Make a Clear and Reasonable Ask: If negotiating salary, offer a specific number or range supported by your research.
- Practice Your Delivery: Role-play with a career advisor, mentor, or friend. You can also schedule a mock negotiation with Life Calling & Career.
- Example Script:
“Thank you so much for the offer—I’m truly excited about the possibility of joining your team. Based on my research and the value I believe I can bring to the role, I was hoping we could discuss the starting salary. Would you be open to adjusting the base pay to $XX,XXX?”
Negotiations for Women
Negotiating a job offer is essential—but research shows that women are significantly less likely to negotiate compared to men. In Lean In, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg cites a Carnegie Mellon University study revealing that 57% of male students negotiated their salary, while only 7% of female students did the same (pg. 45).
Being aware of this disparity is the first step toward closing the gap.
Tips for Women Entering Negotiations:
- Do your research and know your worth.
- Be confident. Confidence goes a long way in showing you believe in your own value.
- Address the elephant in the room. It’s okay to acknowledge the gender pay gap. You might say: “I’ve been researching statistics on salary differences between men and women, and I want to ensure I’m fairly compensated based on my experience and the market.”
- Justify why you’re asking. Frame your request around your qualifications, achievements, and what you bring to the table.
- Remind them what you offer. Highlight your unique skills, relevant experiences, and the immediate value you’ll bring to the role.
When to Accept (or Decline) an Offer
When evaluating whether to accept:
- Does the role align with your values, skills, and goals?
- Do the compensation and benefits meet your needs?
- Does the company culture feel like a good fit?
- Will this role help you grow professionally?
If you decide to decline:
- Be prompt, polite, and appreciative. Send a brief email or make a phone call thanking them for the opportunity and wishing them well.
- Example Script:
“Thank you again for the generous offer. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue another opportunity that is a better fit for my current goals. I truly appreciated getting to know your team and wish you continued success.”
Practical Help
Negotiation doesn’t mean being difficult—it means advocating for your worth. Most employers expect some level of discussion around an offer. Approach it thoughtfully, stay respectful, and remember: the way you negotiate says a lot about your professionalism and confidence.
In the resource section below, you’ll find helpful worksheets to guide you through:
- Evaluating a job offer
- Preparing to negotiate with confidence
- Understanding negotiation styles
These tools are designed to help you navigate the offer process with clarity and professionalism—so you can say “yes” to the right opportunity on the right terms.
