Negotiation Mistakes That Cost You $25K+ (Fix Them Now)

How to Win the Salary Negotiation

“What are your salary expectations?”

Say it wrong, and you lose your leverage before the negotiation even starts.

Say it right? You don’t just get paid. You get what you're worth.

Let me break it down 👇

THE POWER MOVE:

“If [Company Name] is able to come in at [$XXX,XXX], or something in the same range, I would step away from my other interview conversations and fully lean into this opportunity.”

Or...

“If Microsoft is able to offer [$X amount], or something comparable, I’d feel comfortable formally withdrawing from other interview processes and giving notice at my current role. I’d also feel confident turning down any counteroffers — from other employers.”

Why it works:

- You’re not paid more just because you ask.

- You’re paid more because you take the risk out of hiring you.

When you speak with certainty and clarity, you show them you understand how they operate:

📊 They’re not just buying your time — they’re solving a business problem and making a business decision. It’s your job to help them understand the ROI (Return on Investment) from hiring you.

This only works if your positioning proves you’re in demand.
You’re not just throwing out a number.
Things you can use to anchor: Competing Offers, Market value (Use compensation data from tools like Glassdoor), the cost of waiting.

What you’re really saying is:
👉 “I’m ready to shut down every other conversation…”
In exchange for:
💰 “You meet me at the top of your range — and close this now.”

That’s not pressure.
That’s leverage.
And that’s how pros negotiate.

🧱 What Not to Say:

“I’m looking to make $135,000–$155,000.”

That’s not leverage. That’s a hopeful wish.

Companies now know your floor — and they’ll stay there.

🚀 What to Say Instead:

Let’s say the range is $125K–$145K. You say:

“I’m currently in process for roles that typically fall in the $140,000–$160,000 range.”

Why it works: 

✅ Your floor is near their ceiling
✅ You push them upward
✅ You make them wonder if their best offer is enough

🔥 Already employed & in demand?

“For me to seriously consider making a move, I’d need to see something at or above $175,000. That’s based on what I’ve seen for similar roles — though that may shift depending on the scope and variables.”

This shows confidence, research, and that you're not cheap.

Don’t have enough info yet?

“Happy to discuss compensation once I’ve had a chance to learn more about the role. In the meantime, is there a budget range you can share?”

You stay in control.
You avoid underselling.
You show curiosity, not desperation.

❌ Avoid this trap:

“I’m targeting $100K–$115K… but I’m flexible.”

Translation:

“I’ll accept less. Please test me.”

Instead, reframe it:

“I’m open to a competitive number for the level and scope of the role. Based on market data and my conversations, similar positions land between $100K and $115K.
How does that compare with what you’ve budgeted?”

Now the ball’s in their court.
And you’re in the power seat.

Pro Tip:

Negotiate as if you were negotiating for a friend.

You’d go to bat for them to get them what they deserve. Do the same for you.

🛠 If the company holds firm on a low initial offer, don’t take that as final. Re-engage. Reframe your value and ask again. Most movement happens on the second ask:

Try this:

“I’m really excited about the role and confident I’d be a strong fit. Based on my experience in [XYZ], I was wondering if we could explore a slightly higher starting salary of [$XXX,XXX]. Market data for similar roles supports that range, and I’m confident you’ll be happy with what I bring to the team.”

Or:

“I understand budget constraints, and I’m flexible. That said, based on my background in [XYZ], I’d love to explore whether [$XXX,XXX] is possible as a starting point.”

Bonus Questions to Use in Offer Conversations:

“Is there any flexibility in the compensation package?”
“Can you walk me through how the salary was calculated?”
“What other components are included — like bonuses, equity, sign-on bonuses?”
“Are there non-cash elements we could explore?”
“What’s your ideal timeline for a decision? I want to ensure we align on expectations as I consider this a pivotal career move.”

Always start by thanking them. Then ask, “Is the salary open for negotiation?”

Example: "Thank you for extending this offer to me. I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to Microsoft. I'd like to discuss if there's any flexibility in the compensation package. Is the salary for this role open to negotiation?"

Always end with “Could you please provide all the details of the offer in a written format? It would be beneficial for me to review everything comprehensively.”

This is how you win.
Not by hoping.
But by anchoring high, showing confidence, and leading the conversation.

💰 Want more scripts for handling salary negotiation over email? Or Salary Research Tools other than Glassdoor?

Get them on my 100% free job search platform → https://resources.resumewizard101.com/

I built the platform I wish I had back when I was job searching. Now, it’s 100% free.

Until next time,

Neil Bhatt, Founder @ Resume Wizard 101