Know What You’ll Negotiate (and What You Won’t)

A job offer is exciting, but it’s also a decision point. This worksheet helps you get clear on what matters most before you say yes: your non-negotiables, your nice-to-haves, and the tradeoffs you’re willing to make. Use it to compare offers, prepare for a negotiation conversation, and make a confident choice that fits your goals, lifestyle, and long-term growth. Download it below and fill it out before your next offer call.

Salary negotiation matters because the initial offer often sets the foundation for everything that follows: future raises, bonuses, equity, and even how your role is perceived internally. If you don’t understand how compensation decisions are made or how to evaluate an offer in context, it’s easy to accept terms that don’t fully reflect your experience or the scope of the role. Taking time to prepare for these conversations helps you assess the full package, ask informed questions, and advocate for yourself in a way that feels professional and reasonable.

Negotiation should be a win/win; it’s about understanding your value, recognizing the employer’s constraints, and finding common ground.