equal opportunity employer in Los Angeles, CA — Salary Negotiation Guide
Begin by expressing enthusiasm for the role while clearly stating that you value fair compensation based on market data and your experience. Use a collaborative tone to frame the discussion as a partnership, and be prepared to pivot to non‑salary benefits if the employer hits a salary ceiling.
Negotiation Strategy
Overview
Begin by expressing enthusiasm for the role while clearly stating that you value fair compensation based on market data and your experience. Use a collaborative tone to frame the discussion as a partnership, and be prepared to pivot to non‑salary benefits if the employer hits a salary ceiling.
Initiate the negotiation after you receive the written offer but before you sign. If you’re in a live conversation, start the discussion after you’ve reviewed the offer details and are ready to address compensation.
Anchor on the mid‑point of the publicly reported salary range for comparable roles in Los Angeles, as identified in your independent research. Explain that this figure reflects both market standards and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Negotiation Scripts
Initial offer conversation
""Thank you for the offer. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the team and the company’s mission. Based on my research of comparable roles in Los Angeles and my experience, I was expecting a base salary in the market range. Could we explore a figure that aligns with those benchmarks?""
Keep the tone positive and collaborative. Mention that you’ve done market research to support your request.
Responding to a written offer
""I appreciate the offer letter and am eager to join the team. I would like to discuss the compensation package, specifically the base salary, to ensure it reflects the value I bring and is aligned with the market rates for this role in Los Angeles. Could we schedule a brief call to review the details?""
Use a concise email that acknowledges the offer and sets up a call for deeper discussion.
Negotiating after a counter‑offer
""Thank you for the revised offer. I’m still concerned that the base salary is below the market range for this role. Would it be possible to include a performance bonus or additional vacation days to bridge the gap? I’m confident I can exceed expectations and bring significant value to the team.""
Show flexibility and willingness to find alternative compensation that benefits both parties.
Counter-Offer Templates
Email
Use when you receive a written offer and want to request a higher base salary or additional benefits before signing.
Subject: Re: Offer for [Position Title] Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], Thank you for the updated offer. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]. After reviewing the compensation package, I would appreciate it if we could discuss the base salary to better align with the market rate for this role in Los Angeles. I am also open to exploring additional benefits such as a signing bonus or performance‑based incentive to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Please let me know a convenient time to chat. Thank you again for this opportunity. Best regards, [Your Name]
Verbal
Use during a phone or in‑person conversation after receiving a verbal or written offer but before signing.
"Thank you for the offer, [Hiring Manager’s Name]. I’m truly excited about joining the team. Based on my research and the responsibilities outlined, I was expecting a base salary closer to the market range for this role in Los Angeles. I’m hopeful we can adjust the figure to reflect that. If that’s not feasible, I’d love to discuss other ways to bridge the gap, such as a signing bonus or performance bonus. I’m flexible and eager to find a solution that works for both of us."
Common Employer Tactics
Limited‑time offer
Ask for a few days to review the offer in detail and request a formal written document. This gives you time to research and prepare counter‑arguments.
Offer high bonus instead of salary
Clarify the total compensation package, including the bonus’s payment terms and probability. If the bonus is contingent on uncertain metrics, negotiate a higher base salary or a guaranteed bonus component.
State budget constraints
Request a clear explanation of the budget limit and ask if there’s flexibility in other areas, such as equity, signing bonus, or professional development funds.
Offer lower salary but more equity
Evaluate the company’s equity potential and risk tolerance. Ask for a vesting schedule that rewards your performance and consider a higher base salary if equity is uncertain.
Non-Salary Benefits to Negotiate
If salary is firm, consider negotiating these additional benefits:
- Flexible work schedule
- Remote work options
- Professional development stipend
- Signing bonus
- Additional vacation days
Negotiate Your Best Offer
Get a personalized negotiation guide for any role and location.