What should you negotiate at a job offer?
James Olson
Updated on March 25, 2026
Here are five things beyond your salary that you may be able to negotiate—and expert advice on the best way to approach each.
- Flex Time. Contrary to popular belief, many of us aren’t working strict 9-to-5s.
- Promotions and Titles.
- Maternity and Paternity Leave.
- Vacation Time.
- Project Placement.
What percent should you negotiate at a job offer?
Start big. According to Doody, a lot of companies will low-ball an offer, leaving money in the company coffer in case you’re the kind of candidate who is unafraid to negotiate. With that in mind, “my rule of thumb is that you should counteroffer between 10 percent and 20 percent above the initial offer,” says Doody.
Should you negotiate salary for a job offer?
“Don’t accept the first offer — they expect you to negotiate and salary is always negotiable.” “There are many companies that don’t want you to negotiate but that doesn’t mean you don’t come back with questions,” he says. “If an offer is made, there is an opportunity to explore and expand it.”
How do you negotiate salary politely?
Salary Negotiation Tips 21-31 Making the Ask
- Put Your Number Out First.
- Ask for More Than What You Want.
- Don’t Use a Range.
- Be Kind But Firm.
- Focus on Market Value.
- Prioritize Your Requests.
- But Don’t Mention Personal Needs.
- Ask for Advice.
Is it possible to negotiate a job offer?
You can negotiate a job offer and it’s important to do so if the offer isn’t close to what you want and deserve. You have to know your value to employers as you begin your job search. You have to be ready to answer the question, “What salary level are you looking for?”.
Are there employers that are willing to negotiate salary?
Fifty-three percent of employers say they are willing to negotiate salaries on initial job offers for entry-level workers, and 52 percent say when they first extend a job offer to an employee, they typically offer a lower salary than they’re willing to pay.
What is an example of a negotiation letter?
Job offer negotiation letter example. You have received a good job offer but the salary is not what you asked for or expected. A well written salary negotiation email or letter can turn the situation around and help you get the offer you want.
What should I put as the subject line for a job offer negotiation letter?
A job offer negotiation letter or salary negotiation email, also known as a counter-proposal, clarifies your position and justifies your salary request with facts and figures. If your arguments are realistic, you should be able to persuade the employer to adjust the offer appropriately. What should I put as the subject line for the email?