The Counter-Offer

How to complete The Counter-Offer

Most first offers carry built-in slack, and accepting on the spot leaves real money and benefits behind. A single calm, numbers-backed counter usually lifts the base or improves the package, and recruiters generally expect one, so asking rarely puts the offer itself at risk.

1. Research the real range for this role, level, and location before replying, cross-checking levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and a couple of trusted peers.
2. Thank them, show genuine enthusiasm, and ask for a day or two; never accept or counter in the same conversation.
3. Anchor with a specific figure above their number, justified by market data and the concrete value you bring.
4. If base pay is genuinely capped, redirect to a signing bonus, equity, title, start date, or extra remote days.
5. Confirm the full agreed terms in writing before you resign your current job or sign anything.

Tips

• Negotiate over email or a scheduled call, not reflexively during the offer phone call.
• Silence is leverage: state your number, then stop talking and let them respond.
• One firm, well-supported counter usually does it; avoid grinding through five rounds.
• Stay warm throughout, since tone shapes the relationship you are about to start.

What counts as done

The signed offer shows a higher base or materially better terms than the first version you were given.