How to negotiate your salary

1. 01Find the real market rangeTriangulate salary databases, job postings with published ranges, recruiters, and two people doing the job. Write down the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile.
2. 02Build your evidence fileOutcomes with numbers: revenue moved, costs cut, hours saved, people trained, incidents prevented. Six bullets, each with a metric.
3. 03Set three numbersYour target (75th percentile), your acceptable (50th), and your walk-away. Never say the walk-away out loud.
4. 04Let them name a number firstIf asked for expectations, answer with the range you researched and note you're flexible on total package.
5. 05Make the ask, then stop talking"Based on the scope and market data, I'm looking for X." Then let the silence sit. Do not negotiate against yourself.
6. 06Negotiate the whole packageIf base is capped, ask about a signing bonus, equity, title, review timing, remote days, learning budget, or extra leave.
7. 07Get it in writingNo agreement is real until it's in an offer letter or a written amendment.

General educational information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change over time — verify with a qualified professional before acting.