After dedicating four or more years to studying engineering and tackling challenging problems, you honed your skills and finally secured some interviews, impressing the hiring committees along the way… and received a job offer.
However, when you looked at the salary, something didn’t sit right.
Perhaps it was less than you anticipated. Maybe your colleagues are making more. Or perhaps you accepted it—reluctantly—because you felt unsure about how to negotiate.
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not the only one.
Step 1: Research and Understand Your Value
To negotiate effectively, it’s important to understand what is reasonable, which requires some research.
Check salary databases: Use tools like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind to see what engineers in your role and location earn.
Consider total compensation: This includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, signing bonuses, and benefits.
Look at your experience & skillset: Do you have niche skills (e.g., ML, security, DevOps)? Seniority? Location advantages?
Step 2: Allow Them to Take the Initiative
Try to hold off on stating a number initially. Allow the employer to make the first offer; this way, you have a reference point for negotiations and can prevent setting your expectations too low.
Step 3: Evaluate the Offer with an Open Mind
Take a moment to think before responding to the offer.
Here’s what to evaluate:
- Base Salary
- Equity or Stock Options
- Signing Bonus
- Annual Bonus
- Benefits (healthcare, PTO, remote options, etc.)
- Career Growth Opportunities
Step 4: Create a Counteroffer Supported by Engineering Data
If the offer isn’t quite what you hoped for, don’t worry—it’s perfectly fine to make a counteroffer.
Why it works:
- Respectful and grateful ✅
- Clear, yet not pushy ✅
- Supported by statistics or industry standards ✅
Step 5: Prepare for Pushback — and Have a Plan
Occasionally, engineering businesses might claim:
- ‘This is our top deal.’
- ‘We don’t engage in negotiations.’
- ‘Our budget limits us.’
Don’t take it to heart; you still have choices.
Step 6: Consider More Than Just Financial Gains
Negotiations aren’t solely focused on salary.
Think about discussing:
- Options for remote or hybrid work,
- flexible working hours,
- increased paid time off,
- a budget for professional development,
- quicker paths to promotion.
Step 7: Put It in Writing
After you agree, ensure that all details are documented.
Request a revised offer letter or a confirmation email, and take the time to review it thoroughly before signing. Keep in mind that nothing is official until it’s in writing.
Step 8: Get Some Practice Before the Actual Event
If you’re feeling anxious, try practising your negotiation skills with a friend, a mentor, or even in front of a mirror.
- Record yourself
- Pay attention to your tone.
- Work on maintaining your composure when things get tough.
Remember, confidence is built through preparation, and you’re ready for this!
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