You’ve made it through the interviews. You got the offer.

And now… you’re staring at the number on the page thinking:

“This is good — but it’s not quite there yet.”

This is the moment most people freeze. Negotiation feels intimidating, especially if you’re career-switching, just landed your first PM role, or worried about being “difficult.”

But here’s the truth:

Companies expect you to negotiate.
How you do it sets the tone for the relationship — and it can increase your total compensation significantly.

So here’s how to approach it — with honesty, tact, and clarity.

Before You Start: Know What You’re Negotiating

Take a minute to get grounded.

What matters most to you right now?

• Cash compensation?

• Equity or bonus?

• Remote flexibility?

• Role level or title?

Clarity on your priorities will help you stay focused — and avoid getting swayed by perks that don’t actually matter to you.

Then, do your homework:

• Use resources like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, Blind, and Comparably

• Cross-reference similar roles at similar-stage companies

• Have a reasonable range in mind before reaching out

A Calm, Clear Template for Negotiating With a Recruiter

Here’s a version of a message you can send to the recruiter once you’ve had time to reflect on the offer:

✉️ Email Template: Replying to a Recruiter

Subject: Following Up on Offer for [Job Title]

Hi [Recruiter's Name],

I hope you had a great weekend! I just got back from a wedding yesterday and appreciated the time to reflect on everything.

Thank you again for your support throughout this process — it's genuinely been one of the best candidate experiences I’ve had during this job search.

In terms of the offer, I think it’s a great starting point, and we're not far from reaching an agreement. The opportunity at [Company] aligns perfectly with what I’ve been looking for — the mission, the team, and the growth potential are all incredibly exciting.

That said, in full transparency, I am still in conversations with a couple of other companies. That said, I’d be more than happy to cancel those discussions and move forward today if we can align on a base cash compensation of $[Target Amount] with the originally offered equity package.

How do we get there?

I’m really excited about the possibility of joining the team, and I hope we can wrap this up soon.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

Why This Works:

• It shows enthusiasm and alignment

• It’s transparent but not threatening

• It gives the recruiter a clear number to work with

• It keeps the door open without over-explaining

A Thoughtful Message to Send to the Hiring Manager

This message should be softer — more gratitude, less negotiation. It’s about keeping the relationship strong while giving them a heads-up that discussions are ongoing.

✉️ Email Template: Updating the Hiring Manager

Subject: Thank You + Offer Reflection

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you had a great weekend! I just got back from some wedding festivities and wanted to reach out personally to thank you again for your time, your support, and the thoughtful conversations we’ve had over the past few weeks.

This has genuinely been one of the most positive interviewing experiences I’ve had in a while, and I’m very excited about the possibility of working with you and the team at [Company].

I’m currently in touch with [Recruiter's Name] as we work through the final offer details and I’ll have an update soon. I just wanted to express my gratitude again and let you know how much I’ve appreciated your involvement throughout the process.

Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me in the meantime!

Warmly,
[Your Name]

What You’re Doing Here:

• Showing appreciation for their time and effort

• Keeping them looped in without putting pressure on them

• Reinforcing your enthusiasm and professionalism

These messages don’t just help you negotiate — they deepen trust.

Final Thought: Negotiation Is Just a Conversation

You’re not being greedy. You’re being clear.

Negotiating doesn’t make you less grateful. It makes you intentional.

If this role is truly a match, the team will want you to feel valued — and that starts with fair, open dialogue.

So breathe. Speak your truth. And ask for what you need.

Try This: Quick Negotiation Prep Checklist

✅ Clarify your target base salary and total comp
✅ Research salary ranges for the role + company size
✅ Write your recruiter email using the template above
✅ Write a short message for the hiring manager (optional, but appreciated)
✅ Practice saying your number out loud (helps with confidence!)