Salary Negotiation Checklist

Researched market salary range for role/location

Use Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Payscale, and industry surveys to find the 25th-75th percentile range

Documented achievements and quantified impact

Write down specific results with numbers: revenue generated, costs reduced, projects delivered

Practiced negotiation talking points

Rehearse your pitch out loud — focus on value delivered, not personal needs or comparisons

Know your minimum acceptable salary

Set a firm walk-away number so you don't accept less than you're worth under pressure

Compared benefits packages (not just salary)

Health insurance, 401(k) match, PTO, remote work — benefits can be worth 20-30% of salary

Considered total compensation (equity, bonus, PTO)

Stock options, signing bonuses, and performance bonuses can significantly change the total value

Checked if counter-offers are common in your industry

In some fields, the first offer is always negotiable; in others, it's closer to final

Prepared for common objections

Have responses ready for 'budget constraints,' 'market rates,' and 'we'll revisit in 6 months'

Have alternative offers or leverage

Even one competing offer gives you significant leverage — it proves your market value

Planned to negotiate timing (not on the spot)

Ask for 24-48 hours to consider the offer — it shows thoughtfulness and creates space to negotiate

Ready to walk away if needed

The strongest negotiation position is being genuinely willing to decline an offer that undervalues you