Salary Negotiation Script - Step-by-Step Template to Get 30% More Money, by John Marty on YouTube. 13 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Write down your wins from the last year with numbers attached: revenue brought in, hours saved, projects shipped, customers kept. Vague praise will not move a number.
Look up pay for the same role, level and city on sites like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Note the range and pick a target near the top of it.
Decide your target number and your walk-away number before any conversation. Write both at the top of the same page as your wins.
Draft your opening line. Thank them for the offer or for the review, say you are glad to be there, then ask for your specific number in one sentence.
Script two or three reasons that justify the number, using the wins you wrote down. Keep the whole case under one minute when spoken aloud.
Prepare a reply for "that is above our range". Ask a question instead of arguing: what flexibility is there in sign-on bonus, equity, review date or job title.
Practise the script out loud and record yourself once. Cut every apology, hedge and "I think maybe" you hear.
Deliver the ask by call or email, then stop talking. Silence feels long, but let them answer first.
Ask for the full package in writing and check base, bonus, equity and start date before you accept anything.
Tips and common mistakes
Give a range only if you must, and put your target number at the bottom of it, never the middle.
Negotiate the whole package, since a bigger sign-on bonus or an earlier review date is often easier for them to approve than base pay.
Never accept on the call. Thank them and ask for a day or two to review the details.
Keep the tone collaborative. You are solving a problem together, not making a threat.
Questions
What if they say the offer is final?
Ask what else can move, such as sign-on bonus, equity, title or an early review. If nothing can, you can still accept, but you will know the real limit.
Can I use this for a raise at my current job?
Yes. Swap the offer language for a review conversation and bring the same wins and market data to your manager.
Should I put my number in writing?
Often yes, because it keeps the ask clear and gives them something to take to their manager. Keep the email short and friendly.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
