How to negotiate your offer (without burning bridges)
Scripts and signals that move comp 10–25% without friction.
Negotiate the whole package, not just base
Base, joining bonus, retention bonus, ESOPs/RSUs, notice-period buyout, relocation, and variable target are all moveable. Recruiters usually have flexibility on 2–3 of these, not all of them. Ask which levers are open before you anchor.
The opening script
'Thanks for the offer — I'm excited about the role. Based on the scope you described and my current comp of X with Y in equity vesting, the number I had in mind was Z. Is there room to revisit base and joining bonus together?' Keep it warm, specific, and one ask at a time.
Anchors that work in India
Use competing offers, current CTC plus a structured hike (25–40% for a switch is common in tech), and benchmark data for your title, years, and city. Don't bluff a competing offer — recruiters talk.
When to stop
Once you've gotten one solid counter, stop. A third round of pushback signals you'll be hard to manage. Get the final number in writing, confirm the joining date, and send a clean thank-you.