Salary Negotiations: The Rules Nobody Tells You
Christian Garcia-Scheer
Brand & Product Design Leader focused on maximizing growth in every corner! (Brand I Product I Strategy)
Negotiated an extra $48K last week. Took 12 minutes. The hiring manager later told me most people accept the first offer. Their loss = my gain. Here's your no-BS negotiation playbook. ??
First, understand this: Companies expect you to negotiate. They lowball on purpose. The first offer is just their opening move. Here's how to play:
Pre-Game Power Moves ??
- Research actual salaries (Blind App)
- Get competing offers (leverage)
- Know your walk-away number
- Document your wins folder
Negotiation Tactics ??
- Never give first number
- Silence is your weapon
- "That's lower than I expected"
- Always counter, always
The Money Dance ??
- Total comp > Base salary
- Stock options = negotiable
- Sign-on bonus = easy win
- Remote work = 10-20% leverage
Reality Check: Every time you don't negotiate, you lose $500K in lifetime earnings.
Tool You Need: ??? Levels.fyi - Real salary data, not averages
Must-Read Book: ?? "Never Split the Difference" - FBI negotiator tactics
Food for Thought: ?? "They're not paying you what you're worth. They're paying you what you negotiate."
?? FREE Resource ??: A FREE copy of my Career Jumpstart Course on Gumroad- use code: "D9NWC60" https://careerscafe.gumroad.com/l/career-jumpastart-course