Reading and negotiating an offer
Almost nobody negotiates their first international offer, and most first offers have room in them. Negotiating politely and once has close to no risk of losing the role — companies that would withdraw over a courteous question are companies worth learning about early.
What to do
Understand what you are being offered
Employee or contractor. Gross or net. Whether equipment, health cover, paid leave and public holidays are included. A contractor rate that looks higher than a salary often is not, once unpaid leave and your own taxes are counted.
Research the range before you answer
Salary levels vary enormously by country and by whether the company pays local-market or global rates. Find comparable roles at comparable companies. "I'd like to understand how you arrived at this" is a reasonable opening.
Ask once, for a specific number, with a reason
"Based on what I've seen for this scope, I was expecting closer to X. Is there flexibility?" Then stop talking. One clear ask outperforms repeated pressure.
Remember what else is negotiable
Start date, equipment budget, annual learning budget, leave, review timing, title, and the number of overlap hours you are committing to. When cash is fixed, these often are not.
Get all of it in writing before you resign
Every promise made on a call belongs in the contract. Verbal commitments do not survive a change of manager.
What goes wrong
- Accepting within an hour out of fear it will be withdrawn. Asking for a couple of days to review is completely standard.
- Comparing a foreign gross salary directly to a Pakistani net salary and concluding it is life-changing before checking taxes and costs.
- Negotiating over many rounds. It exhausts goodwill you will want later.
- Resigning from your current job before the contract is signed.
Where to go next
Outside resources worth your time. We are not paid to list any of these, and each one is useful without paying for it.
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