How to Negotiate Your Startup Offer💸?

When it comes to offer negotiation, I used to think:

• How embarrassing and nerve-racking it is to bring up money during the interview process, especially if it’s a job I really want!
• It’s awkward and intimidating to talk about it on the phone or write in an email thinking I might get rejected.
• I already got the offer; and they are paying more than what I used to make; and I really want the job; and what would my hiring manager think of me if I’d ask…

Well, those are all but excuses.

Why negotiate?

Because you should!

Recruiters aren’t offended when you negotiate your compensation in a respectable and amicable matter. Especially when the salary is left open. It’s part of offering any role to a new hire. In fact, some recruiters are even surprised when you don’t negotiate your salary.

As a hiring manager, I don’t think of you less because you negotiated. I’m bound by compensation policies but I’m willing to accommodate within that boundary.

You have to realize that: I (and all hiring managers) want YOU on the team as much as you want to join!

What to negotiate with a startup?

You might think that salary and equities are the ones to go after. That’s true for both established companies and startups.