Most students take the first number they hear. It feels risky to push back, especially when you’re just relieved to have an offer. But recruiters expect negotiation. Asking doesn’t make you look ungrateful. It makes you look like someone who knows their worth.
Here’s how to do it without the awkwardness.
When the offer comes in, whether it’s over the phone or by email, resist the urge to answer right away. Say thank you, ask for the offer in writing if you don’t already have it, and ask for a few days to review.
“This is exciting, thank you. Can I take a couple of days to look everything over?”
Nobody rescinds an offer because you asked for time to think.
You can’t negotiate from a place of guessing. Look up what similar roles pay in your city, in your industry, at similar-sized companies. Ask people in your network what they were offered for comparable positions. The goal isn’t to have an exact number memorized, it’s to know the range you’re working with.
Base salary isn’t the only lever. Depending on the role, you might be able to move on:
If the company genuinely can’t move on salary, one of these might be more flexible.
You don’t need a script full of pressure tactics. A simple, direct message works:
“Thank you again for the offer. Based on my research and the scope of the role, I was hoping we could look at a salary closer to [number]. Is there flexibility there?”
That’s it. No apology, no over-explaining.
You don’t need a dramatic justification. “Based on my research” is often enough. If you have a competing offer, you can mention it, but only if it’s real. Never bluff a competing offer you don’t have.
If the company comes back and says the number is firm, you get to decide if the rest of the offer is still worth it. Sometimes it is. A first job is about more than the first paycheck. It’s about what you’ll learn and where it leads.
Once you agree on final terms, make sure the offer letter reflects everything you discussed. Verbal promises made during a negotiation call don’t count if they never make it into the document.
Can a company take back a job offer if I try to negotiate? It’s extremely rare, and it’s usually a red flag about the company if they do. A reasonable, respectful ask should never put an offer at risk.
What if this is my first job and I have no leverage? You still have information. Market research, your specific skills, and other offers all count as leverage, even for a first job.
Should I negotiate over email or phone? Either works. Email gives you time to think through wording. A phone call can feel more personal and sometimes moves faster.
What if I don’t know what to ask for? Start with salary research sites and ask people in similar roles what they make. Aim for a specific number, not a vague “more.”
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