Salary Negotiation Skill

Most people leave money on the table because they negotiate from anxiety instead of preparation. This skill replaces nerves with a plan: compare offers on total comp (not just base), set a target and a walk-away anchored to your BATNA, justify the ask with your value, and script the counter — including the levers beyond base salary that are often easier wins.

Required Inputs

Ask for these only if they aren't already provided:

• The offer(s) — base, bonus, equity, sign-on, and any other components (and competing offers, if any).
• Your situation — current comp, your BATNA (best alternative — a competing offer, staying put), and how badly each side needs the other.
• Market data — comparable ranges for the role/level/location (levels.fyi, Glassdoor, peers), if you have it.
• What matters to you — cash now vs. equity upside, flexibility, title, start date.

Output Format

Negotiation Plan: [role] at [company]