Getting a call from HR after your final round interview is one of the best feelings in a job search. You've made it. But now comes the part a lot of people fumble: the negotiation. Done wrong, it creates awkwardness. Done right, it can get you an extra $10,000 to $20,000 a year — which compounds significantly over the course of your career.
Before the call, do your homework. Add up what you'd be leaving behind at your current job — unvested RSUs, an upcoming bonus, any relocation costs. Then research what the role typically pays using Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and any connections you have inside the company. Land on a number you'd be happy with and a number you'd be thrilled with. Know your floor and your ceiling going in.
When the call starts, lead with gratitude. Thank them for the process, express genuine excitement, say you're looking forward to joining the team — and then transition into your ask. The tone should be collaborative, not adversarial. You're negotiating with a future colleague, not across enemy lines.
The full compensation package at a public company typically includes base salary, annual bonus (usually a percentage of base), equity or RSUs, and possibly a sign-on bonus or relocation package if you're moving. There are also softer benefits — 401k match, gym reimbursement, professional development budgets. Focus your energy on base salary first. That number compounds everything else, including future raises and bonus payouts.
If they can't meet you on salary, don't shut down — get creative. Ask about a higher sign-on bonus to offset what you're leaving behind. Ask about an accelerated performance review at six months if you hit clear benchmarks. Make it easy for them to say yes by giving them options. And remember: if they've made you an offer, they want you. HR wants to close the role. The hiring manager wants their new team member to start happy. They're not your opponents — stay warm, stay professional, and don't be afraid to ask.
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