Salary negotiation script for your first job — non-aggressive
Short answer
Use one short email. Thank them. State that you'd like to discuss a small adjustment to align with the published role band. Cite one source. Name one specific number (typically +5–10%). Ask for flexibility on signing or start date if base is fixed. Almost every first-job offer has 5–10% room. Almost no candidate at this level asks. The ones who do compound that gap for 30 years.
You're here because
- It's your first real offer and you're scared of saying the wrong thing
- You don't want to seem entitled or ungrateful
- You don't have leverage — no competing offer, no industry network
- You don't know what's normal to ask for
- You're worried they'll just rescind
The exact email to send
Hi [HIRING_MANAGER],
Thank you so much for the offer to join [COMPANY] as [ROLE]. I'm genuinely excited about [SPECIFIC_TEAM_OR_PROJECT].
Before I respond formally, I wanted to ask one comp question. Looking at Glassdoor / Levels.fyi for entry-level [ROLE] in [CITY/REMOTE], the typical range is $[LOW]–$[HIGH]. The current offer sits in the lower part of that range.
Would there be any flexibility to adjust the base to $[TARGET — modest, +5–10%]? If base is fixed, I'd also be open to discussing a signing bonus or an earlier start.
I want to be upfront: [COMPANY] is my top choice, and I'm planning to accept. I just wanted to ask once before signing.
Thank you for considering it.
Best,
[YOUR_NAME]
- Built for the moment a written offer or deadline lands — not casual browsing.
- Written for the 24–72 hour decision window.
- Designed for people who don't negotiate often.
- Real workplace register — not internet bravado.
What NOT to say
- Apologizing repeatedly. One "thank you" is enough; over-apologizing weakens the ask.
- "I'd be willing to take less, but…" — never anchor low.
- "My friend got more at [Company X]" — peer comparisons without verifiable data are hearsay.
- Naming a number you're not willing to defend.
- "I can't accept unless…" — unnecessary at entry level. Soft ask first.
An illustrative example
A new grad got a $68K data analyst offer. Glassdoor's median for the role + city was $72K. They sent the script above asking for $73K. Recruiter replied 24 hours later: $72K base + $3K signing. Started at +$4K base + $3K signing — money that compounds across every future raise and offer for the rest of their career.
Why this works
Recruiters expect first-job candidates not to negotiate, so the bar is extremely low. A polite single ask with one data source almost always returns a small adjustment — and signals you're professional rather than entitled.
What to do next
Send the email today. If they say no, you've lost nothing — accept the original offer. The Counter-Offer Kit includes the "polite no" follow-up so the relationship stays warm.
Before you send — quick check
- Do you know your walk-away number?
- Do you have a Levels.fyi or market band to anchor to?
- Do you have a 3-business-day deadline written in?
If you answered "not sure" to any of these, the Counter-Offer Kit walks you through all three.
Related reads
FAQ
Will they rescind a first-job offer if I negotiate?
Almost never. A SHRM survey found rescinded offers from polite negotiation are well under 1%. The cases that get rescinded usually involve aggressive language or fake competing offers.
How much is reasonable for a first job?
+5–10% above the original number. More than that requires a real anchor (competing offer, exceptional credentials).
Should I negotiate over email or phone?
Always email first. Phone for the closing conversation if they propose a counter.