Salary negotiation when the offer comes in lower than expected — exact script
by Amira Zain·May 25, 2026
Got an offer 15% below what I was targeting. Here's exactly how I negotiated without losing the offer.
My response:
"Thank you so much for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and the team. Before I confirm, I wanted to discuss the compensation. Based on my research and my experience level, I was expecting something closer to [X]. Is there flexibility to get closer to that number?"
Key elements:
1. Express genuine enthusiasm first (means it)
2. Name a specific target number, not a range
3. Ask about flexibility rather than making a demand
4. Don't justify the number excessively — state it simply
Their response: Came back at 9% above the original offer. Still below my target but acceptable.
Final exchange: "I really appreciate you working with me on this. Could we bridge the remaining gap with an additional week of leave or a 6-month salary review?" They agreed to the early review.
The lesson: Salary negotiation is almost never the dealbreaker candidates fear it is. Companies don't rescind offers because you asked politely.