How to Negotiate Your Total Work Package

Negotiating your salary can be intimidating, but it’s a crucial skill for career growth and financial well-being. Understanding your worth, preparing for the conversation, and confidently advocating for yourself can make all the difference.

During our recent Coach Connect Live session, Eloïse Eonnet, leadership coach and director of Coach Connect, discussed strategies on how to approach salary negotiations with confidence with The Muse and Fairygodboss career coach Elena Pastore. From researching market salaries to responding to counteroffers, the session covered key techniques to help you maximize your earning potential.

(Watch the recording to hear more on this topic and get to know Elena Pastore!)

1. Get clear on what you want

Before you start throwing out numbers, take a step back. What do you actually need from this job?

• Base salary: Clarity on the minimum you need and your market value  

• Bonuses: Signing bonus, annual bonus, commission structure

• Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid parental leave

• Work-life balance: PTO, remote work flexibility, sick days 

• Career growth: Training, tuition reimbursement, mentorship opportunities

• Perks: Gym memberships, relocation assistance, stock options

Pro tip: Make a list of your top priorities before you’re in the emotional high of getting an offer. That way, you can evaluate it logically—not just say yes because you’re excited to get an offer.

2. Know your market value

Going into a negotiation without salary research puts you at a disadvantage. Use:

• Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Payscale, and Salary.com for market rates

• Public salary ranges in states requiring transparency (e.g., California, New York)

• Conversations with industry professionals for real-world insights

Pro tip: When asked for “desired salary,” list a range based on research to keep the conversation open. (Check out the video for more in-depth coaching from Pastore and Eonnet on this.)

3. Back it up with data

A strong negotiation is about proving your value.  

• Instead of: “Can you do $120K instead of $110K?”

• Try: “Based on my experience leading cost-saving initiatives that saved my last company $150K, I believe $120K is a fair reflection of the value I bring.”

If salary flexibility is limited, request other perks:

• “Could we add a signing bonus to bridge the gap?”

• “Would you be open to revisiting my salary in six months?”

• “Can we adjust the remote work policy for added flexibility?”

4. Approach the conversation with confidence

If negotiating over the phone or Zoom:

• Start with gratitude: “I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I appreciate the offer. I’d love to discuss a few aspects of the package to ensure we’re aligned.”

• Present your case confidently: “Based on my experience and industry benchmarks, I’d like to discuss adjusting the salary to [$X amount]. Given my expertise in [specific skill] and my ability to [specific achievement], I believe this aligns with my market value.”

• Pause and let them respond. Seriously. Don’t fill the silence—give them space to think.

If negotiating over email:

• Keep it professional, but direct: “Thank you again for the offer. After reviewing the details, I’d love to discuss the salary. Based on my research and experience, a range of [$X-$Y] would be more in line with my market value. Would you be open to discussing this further?”

Pro tip: If you negotiate via phone or in person, always follow up in writing to confirm any agreed changes.

5. Handle pushback like a pro

What if they say, “This is the best we can do?” First, don’t panic. Take a breath. Then, try one of these responses:

• “I understand. If the salary is firm, would you be open to a signing bonus or additional PTO to bridge the gap?”

•  “I appreciate that. Would you be open to revisiting salary in six months based on performance?”

• “If we can’t adjust the salary, are there opportunities for additional professional development or tuition reimbursement?”

Remember, negotiation is a conversation, not a demand. Even if they can’t meet all your requests, you’ve shown initiative and confidence—both of which leave a great impression.

You deserve to negotiate

Here’s the truth: Companies expect you to negotiate. You won’t lose an offer just because you ask—unless you do it poorly (which you won’t, because now you know how!). So: 

• Know your worth and research salary benchmarks.

• Negotiate the whole package, not just salary.

• Back up your request with data and achievements.

• Stay professional and confident—negotiation is a normal part of the hiring process.

To put this into action, write down your priorities, research your market value, and practice your negotiation script. When the time comes, you’ll be ready to ask for what you deserve—without hesitation. And watch the recording to hear more on this topic and get to know Elena Pastore!