Salary negotiation goes sideways for one of two reasons — you anchor on a number you can’t defend, or you counter with “I need this much” instead of market data. These prompts give you concrete scripts for the moments that matter: the “what’s your range” deflection, the counter-with-justification, the competing-offer mention without bluffing, and the walk-away that keeps a future door open. Pair with recruiter reply prompts for the surrounding conversation.
Best for
- Final-round salary calls and offer negotiation
- Promotion and level-up conversations
- Counteroffer situations (current employer or competing)
- Equity / base / sign-on rebalancing
- Walk-away or pause moments
1. Anchor when asked “what’s your range”
I'm interviewing for {role} at {company}. Market data I have: {data — levels.fyi, Glassdoor, friends in role}. Write 3 anchoring responses (60 words each). Versions: confident-direct (gives a range), deflective-but-firm (turns it back to them first), exploratory (ties to scope of role).2. Counter the initial offer
Offer: {amount + breakdown}. My target: {target}. Market data: {data}. Write a 100-word counter email that (a) names the gap concretely, (b) justifies with the market data, (c) asks for the specific target number, (d) signals enthusiasm so they don't think I'm shopping.3. Push for equity vs base trade-off
I want to push equity up. Offer: {base / equity / bonus split}. Write a 100-word email asking to rebalance toward equity, citing 1 specific reason (belief in upside, tax efficiency, alignment). Make a concrete proposal — don't ask them to figure it out.4. “I have a competing offer” script
I have a competing offer at {other company} for {amount + components}. Write 3 ways to mention it honestly (not as a threat). Each 50 words. Versions: leading-with-preference, leading-with-numbers, leading-with-decision-deadline.5. “I don’t have a competing offer” but want more
I have no competing offer. Write 3 ways to push for more without lying or implying one exists. Lean on (a) market data for the level, (b) scope of the role I'd be operating at, (c) my specific impact in the last 12 months.6. Sign-on bonus ask
I'm leaving {current} where I have unvested {amount} (RSUs / bonus / commission). Write an email asking for a sign-on bonus to cover the gap. Be specific: amount, timing, cliff. Mention you understand a clawback is normal.7. Promotion negotiation prep
I'm up for promotion to {level}. Write a 250-word case document I can email my manager. Include: scope I'm already operating at, evidence (3 things with measurable outcome), peer comparison (without naming people), the specific ask (title + comp), and a one-line "what I need from you next".8. Counteroffer from current employer response
My current employer made a counteroffer of {amount} to keep me. Write a 100-word reply that takes it seriously, asks the 2 questions I need answered (why now, what changes besides comp), without breaking the commitment I've signaled to {new company}.9. “I need to think about it”
Recruiter pushed for an answer on offer today. Write an 80-word response asking for {N} days with a specific professional reason (signing on a Friday is a big decision; want to discuss with partner; talking to the team I'd join). Confirm continued enthusiasm.10. Walking away script
The offer is below my floor and they won't budge. Write a 100-word walk-away message that (a) is gracious, (b) names the floor and the gap honestly, (c) keeps the door open for future roles or a re-pitch in 12 months. No drama.11. Negotiate non-comp levers
Comp is maxed. Other things I want: {list — start date, remote days, title, signing bonus, equity refresh, professional dev budget, vacation}. Write a 120-word email asking for 2-3 of these as a package, framed as "ways to land me without re-opening base".12. Stress-test my number
I want to ask for {target}. Below is my context: {role, geo, level, recent comp, market data, leverage}. Stress-test: (1) is this number defensible against their likely pushback? (2) what's my BATNA? (3) at what number do I actually walk? (4) what's the strongest single sentence I could use to defend it?Common mistakes
- Naming a specific number before doing market research — you anchor against yourself
- Justifying with “I need this much” or “cost of living” — they don’t care, market does
- Accepting same-day without due diligence — every legitimate offer survives 48 hours
- Treating the negotiation as adversarial — it’s a problem to solve together, not a fight to win
- Pushing on base only — sign-on, equity refresh, start date, and title are often easier wins
- Mentioning a competing offer that doesn’t exist — if they call your bluff, the relationship is dead
Related
- Recruiter reply prompts
- Cover letter prompts
- Tell me about yourself prompts
- Salary negotiation prep prompts
- Phrasing salary expectations with AI
- AI salary negotiation prep
Tags: #Prompt #Job search #Salary