The Redirect Script

When they say "This is our final offer," redirect: "I understand budgets have constraints. Can we explore other elements — signing bonus, equity, or extra paid time off?"

Shifting to non-salary items often unlocks value the company can give more easily. A $5K signing bonus costs them less than a $5K base increase compounded year after year. Remote work days and learning budgets rarely hit the same budget line, so there is real room to move there.