Salary & Compensation Negotiation
Learn how to evaluate compensation, communicate your value, and negotiate salary, raises, bonuses, and total compensation.
What Salary & Compensation Negotiation gets you.
By the end of this upgrade you will have a documented negotiation plan with a target number, walk-away point, and evidence ready to use in your next compensation conversation.
- Current total compensation breakdown (base, bonus, equity, benefits)
- Market salary research for your role, level, and location
- Documented recent achievements and results
- A specific negotiation trigger (offer, review, or raise request)
Run the upgrade.
- 01
Document your current total compensation
Break down current pay into base salary, bonus target, equity value, and estimated dollar value of benefits so you're negotiating total compensation, not just base.
- 02
Research market rate for your role
Gather current salary range data for your role, level, industry, and location from multiple sources rather than relying on a single data point.
- 03
Set a target and a minimum acceptable number
Decide on a target figure above market midpoint backed by your results, and a firm minimum below which you will decline or walk away.
- 04
Build your evidence case
Assemble 3-5 specific, quantified accomplishments that demonstrate impact since your last compensation change, tied directly to business results.
- 05
Choose timing and format
Schedule the conversation at a natural moment (offer stage, annual review, or after a major win) and decide whether to negotiate in writing first or in person.
- 06
Practice the ask
Rehearse stating your target number and evidence out loud, including responses to likely pushback, before the real conversation.
- 07
Negotiate and get the outcome in writing
Present your case, ask for the specific number, and once agreed, request written confirmation of any changes to compensation.
- Target number and walk-away minimum are documented
- Evidence case with quantified results is written out
- Market research supports the target number
- Conversation has occurred and any agreed changes are confirmed in writing
Annually
- Refresh market research before each negotiation opportunity
- Keep a running log of accomplishments throughout the year
- Revisit target numbers after promotions or role changes