💰 Stop Leaving Money on the Table: Why Every Job Offer Deserves a Counter

The Awkward Truth About Negotiation

If you’ve ever accepted a job offer without hesitation, you probably thought you were being polite, grateful, or efficient. But here’s the reality from a hiring manager’s perspective:When a candidate accepts the first offer with zero pushback, the thought is always—“Damn, I could’ve offered less.”

That’s not cynicism. It’s how budgets work. Companies expect you to negotiate. The first number they put on the table is rarely their best.

Why We Don’t Negotiate

Most professionals skip the counter for reasons that feel valid in the moment:

• You’re just grateful to get an offer.

• You don’t want to seem difficult.

• You’re scared they’ll rescind it (they won’t).

• You think the number is fair (it’s not).

Meanwhile, the company often has $10K–$20K more budgeted than what they offered you.

True story:

• Candidate A accepted $70K immediately. Internal budget? $85K. The company saved $15K.

• Candidate B countered with $82K, backed by market research. Internal budget? $85K. The company offered $80K.

Same role. Same budget. $10K difference—just because one person was willing to be uncomfortable.

Discomfort Is the Point

Negotiation isn’t supposed to feel smooth. If you’re comfortable, you’re leaving money on the table.

• Awkward silence after they give you a number? GOOD.

• Feeling pushy asking for more? GOOD.

• Worried they’ll think you’re difficult? GOOD.

• Scared of the conversation? GOOD.

Fear means you’re advocating for yourself in a way that matters.

The Rule: Counter Every Offer

Even if you love the number. Even if it’s more than you expected. Even if you’re scared.Because companies are always negotiating down—you should always be negotiating up.

The Negotiation Framework

Here’s the exact script you can use to counter without burning bridges:

1. Express Gratitude“Thank you so much for the offer. I’m really excited about the role and the team.”

2. Anchor with Market Data“Based on my research of similar roles in this market, the typical range is [$X–$Y].”

3. State Your Ask Clearly“Given my skills in [specific expertise] and the value I’ll bring, I’d like to propose [$desired number].”

4. PauseLet the silence work for you.

5. Reaffirm Enthusiasm“I’m confident we can find a number that reflects both the market and the impact I’ll deliver.”

Example Script

“Thank you for the offer — I’m excited about the opportunity.Based on my research, similar roles in this market typically fall between $85K–$95K.Given my experience in [X] and the results I’ve delivered in [Y], I’d like to propose $90K as a fair starting point.I’m confident we can align on a number that reflects the value I’ll bring to the team.”

Final Word

Negotiation is not about being greedy—it’s about being fair. Companies budget for it. They expect it. And the professionals who embrace the discomfort are the ones who walk away with more money, more respect, and more confidence.

So here’s your new rule: Every offer gets a counter. Every. Single. One.

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Ready to Maximize Your Salary?

If you’re done leaving money on the table and want personalized support, here are three ways we can work together:

• 💰 Power Session ($247) – 60‑min 1:1 strategy + personalized script + email templates + market research. Perfect if you’ve got an offer on the table right now.

• 💼 Career Confidence Package ($497) – Everything above plus resume/LinkedIn upgrades, interview prep, and a long‑term salary strategy. Best if you’re actively job searching.

• 🚀 90‑Day Intensive ($2,997) – Full support from applications to offer acceptance, with bi‑weekly coaching + unlimited email support. Payment plans available.

Get started TODAY--Send me an email with your plan option to Info@letmeaskmonet.com.