Counter-Offer Script

Have a calm, written-out counter ready so you don't freeze in the live offer conversation.

Pull up your written offer letter along with your floor, target, and ambitious salary figures. Open a fresh document or page in your notebook to draft your response while the details are fresh.

Write 4 lines: (1) Genuine excitement — "Thank you, I'm excited about the team and the work on ___." (2) Bridge — "I'd love to find a number that lets me say yes today." (3) The ask — "Based on [market data / scope of role / specific strengths], I was hoping we could get the base to $X." (4) Silence — "Can you check what's possible?" Then stop talking. Rehearse out loud 5 times. Practice the silence.

The silence after your ask is the negotiation. Whoever talks first loses leverage.