Sometimes an employer cannot move on base salary because of pay bands or budgets. That does not mean the negotiation is over. Other parts of the offer may be more flexible.
Key Takeaways
- Signing bonuses, start dates, remote work, title and professional development budgets are often negotiable.
- Paid time off may be negotiable at some employers, particularly smaller companies.
- Ask for the items that matter most to you, with reasons.
- Get every agreed change in the written offer.
Items to consider
- Signing bonus: a one-time payment, sometimes used to offset a lost bonus or equity at your current job.
- Start date: time between jobs for rest or relocation.
- Remote or hybrid work: days in office or full remote.
- Paid time off: extra vacation days.
- Title: reflecting your level of responsibility.
- Professional development: training budgets, conferences, certifications.
- Equipment and stipends: home office equipment, internet, phone.
- Relocation assistance.
- Review timing: an earlier salary review, such as after six months.
How to ask
- Thank them for the offer.
- Explain what matters most.
- Make a specific request.
Example: “I understand the base salary is set by the band. Would it be possible to include a signing bonus of $X to offset the bonus I’d leave behind, and confirm two remote days per week?”
Prioritise
Asking for everything can weaken your position. Pick two or three priorities.
Get it in writing
Ensure agreed changes appear in the written offer or employment agreement.
Valuing the extras
Put rough dollar values on non-salary items to compare offers:
- Signing bonus: straightforward cash, though often repayable if you leave within a set period.
- Extra PTO: divide annual salary by working days to estimate the value of each day. On a $78,000 salary with about 260 working days, each day is worth about $300.
- Remote work: consider commuting time and costs saved.
- Professional development: courses or certifications that increase future earning potential.
- Retirement match: a higher employer match adds directly to total compensation.
This helps you decide which trade-offs are worth making.
Read the conditions
Many perks come with conditions:
- Signing bonuses may need to be repaid if you leave within a year or two.
- Relocation packages can have repayment clauses.
- Remote work agreements may be subject to change.
- Equity has vesting schedules and may never be worth what you hope.
Ask for these details before accepting.
Timing your requests
Ask for non-salary items at the same time as any salary discussion, rather than one at a time. Presenting a complete set of requests is more efficient and avoids seeming to keep moving the goalposts.
Accepting gracefully
Once you agree, confirm everything in writing, thank the hiring manager and recruiter, and start the relationship positively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are signing bonuses common? They vary by industry and level.
Can I negotiate PTO at large companies? Policies are often fixed, but exceptions sometimes exist.
What if I’m offered equity? Understand vesting schedules, valuation and potential value.
Should I negotiate a title? If responsibilities justify it, yes.
The bottom line
When salary is fixed, negotiate the parts of the offer that matter most to you — and confirm them in writing.