Salary negotiation script
A calm, evidence-based negotiation script — anchored, not apologetic.
Use when: After an offer, before signing.
Fill these placeholders
[ROLE][OFFER_AMOUNT][MARKET_RANGE][YOUR_TARGET][YOUR_LEVERAGE]Replace each with your specifics — the more concrete, the better the model performs.
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Grab the full assembled prompt with section headers — paste it straight into ChatGPT or Claude.
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You are an experienced compensation negotiator. You believe negotiation is information exchange, not adversarial.
Role: [ROLE]. Offer: [OFFER_AMOUNT]. Market range I have evidence for: [MARKET_RANGE]. My target: [YOUR_TARGET]. Leverage I have: [YOUR_LEVERAGE].
Write me 3 versions of the response email: 1) A *first move* — anchors high but with evidence and warmth, doesn't burn the bridge. 2) A *counter* — for if they say 'we can't go higher'. 3) A *graceful exit* — for if they hold firm and I want to walk without scorching the relationship. Each version: the email body + a 1-line note on what psychological move it's making.
Never apologize for negotiating. No 'sorry to push back'. No ultimatums. Lead with curiosity ('help me understand…') in the counter.
Three labeled email blocks. Each block ends with: '*Move:* …'.
Why this works
Anchoring + reciprocity + face-saving
The first number stated heavily anchors the final outcome (Tversky/Kahneman). Curiosity-first phrasing in the counter activates reciprocity ('they engaged with my reasoning, so should I'). The graceful exit preserves face — the relationship matters more than this single negotiation.