Salary Negotiation and Your Offer Letter

Your offer letter sets out your salary, title, and often key terms like bonus, benefits, and notice. If you don't negotiate or get key points in writing, you might later discover that your "discretionary" bonus is rarely paid, or that your notice period is much longer than the employer's. Here's what to negotiate in your offer—and what to get in writing before you sign.

What to negotiate

• Base salary. If the offer is below your expectation or market rate, ask for more. Many employers expect some negotiation—so don't be afraid to ask. Get the final number in writing before you accept.
• Bonus. If the offer says "bonus up to X%," ask what percentage people typically receive and under what conditions. Push for clearer criteria—or a guaranteed minimum—if you can. Get it in writing.
• Notice period. If you must give 3 months but they give 1 month, ask for symmetry (e.g. 2 months each) or at least understand the difference. Push for pay in lieu of notice so you can leave earlier if needed.
• Start date. If you need more time to give notice to your current employer, or to relocate, ask for a later start date. Get it in writing.

What to get in writing

• Final salary and bonus terms. The exact number, not "approximately" or "subject to approval." When is the first review and raise opportunity?
• Benefits start date. Do health insurance, pension, and other benefits start on day one or after probation? Get the start date in writing.
• Notice period. How much notice do you give? How much do they give? Is pay in lieu allowed?
• BeforeYouSign can highlight salary, bonus, notice, and benefit language in your offer so you know what to negotiate and what to get in writing before you sign.