Salary Negotiation
Master the art of negotiating platform engineering compensation packages.
Market Research
Salary Benchmarks
- Levels.fyi data
- Glassdoor insights
- Regional variations
- Experience levels
Total Compensation
- Base salary
- Equity/RSUs
- Bonuses
- Benefits value
Negotiation Strategy
Preparation
- Know your worth
- Document achievements
- Gather competing offers
- Set target ranges
Timing
- When to negotiate
- Multiple offer scenarios
- Deadline management
- Creating urgency
Negotiation Tactics
Initial Offer
- Never accept immediately
- Request time to consider
- Identify negotiable items
- Prepare counteroffers
Communication
- Professional tone
- Data-driven arguments
- Win-win framing
- Written follow-ups
Beyond Base Salary
Equity Negotiation
- Stock options vs RSUs
- Vesting schedules
- Refresh grants
- Early exercise
Benefits & Perks
- Remote work flexibility
- Professional development
- Conference budgets
- Equipment allowances
Common Pitfalls
Mistakes to Avoid
- Accepting too quickly
- Focusing only on base
- Burning bridges
- Inadequate research
Red Flags
- Inflexible employers
- Unclear compensation
- Verbal-only offers
- Pressure tactics