How to Negotiate a Job Offer (Politely and Effectively)

Receiving a job offer is exciting, and it is tempting to accept immediately. But many offers have some flexibility, and a respectful negotiation is a normal part of hiring in many industries. Even when salary is fixed, other terms often are not. Preparing well makes the conversation easier for both sides.

Step 1: Research the market

Understand the typical pay range for the role, level and location. Useful sources include government labour statistics, salary surveys from professional bodies and recruitment agencies, salary information on job listings, and conversations with people in similar roles. Our career research hub in the submissions library lists official sources.

Look for a range rather than one number, and note how factors such as company size, industry and your experience affect it.

Step 2: Know your priorities and your walk-away point

Before you talk, decide:

• Your target: a realistic, well-supported figure towards the upper part of the range.
• Your minimum: the point below which you would decline.
• What else matters: flexible or remote work, start date, holiday, training budget, job title, equipment, signing bonus, review timing.

Step 3: Respond positively and ask for time

Thank them and express genuine enthusiasm. Ask for the full offer in writing and a reasonable time to review it, often a few days. "Thank you, I'm really excited about this role. Could you send the full details in writing? I'd like to review everything and come back to you by Thursday."

Step 4: Make a clear, justified ask

Base your request on the value you bring and market evidence, not personal expenses. Be specific and keep a collaborative tone.

"I'm very keen to join the team. Based on my experience leading similar projects and the market range for this role in our city, I was hoping for a base salary closer to [figure]. Is there flexibility there?"

Then stop talking and listen. Silence is fine.

Step 5: Negotiate the whole package

If the salary cannot move, ask about other elements:

• A signing bonus
• An earlier salary review, for example after six months
• Additional holiday days
• Remote or hybrid working arrangements
• A professional development or certification budget
• A later start date to finish existing commitments

Step 6: Get the final agreement in writing

Once you agree, ask for an updated written offer that includes every change. Read it carefully before signing.

What if they say no?

Sometimes there is genuinely no room, especially with fixed pay scales in the public sector or large organisations. Thank them for considering it. You can still accept the original offer if it meets your needs. A polite, reasonable request will very rarely cause an offer to be withdrawn; if an employer reacts badly to a professional question, that tells you something about the workplace.

Mistakes to avoid

• Inventing competing offers you do not have
• Making ultimatums you are not prepared to follow through on
• Negotiating by text message or rushed email when a call would be clearer
• Asking for many changes one after another; present your requests together

Prepare earlier in the process

Negotiation strength starts with a strong application and interview. See our guides to writing an ATS-friendly resume and answering with the STAR method.