Knowing your worth is half the battle—asking for it is the game changer.
Most people get a job offer, see the salary, and say yes without blinking. But if there’s one thing that can instantly level up your income, it’s learning how to negotiate—especially when you’ve got another offer on the table. A competing offer isn’t just leverage—it’s your ticket to start the conversation on your terms.
Too many folks are scared they’ll seem greedy or pushy if they ask for more. But companies expect negotiations, and they actually respect candidates who know how to handle them professionally. The key is confidence, timing, and strategy—not just throwing out a number and hoping it sticks. If you want to turn your competing offer into a better deal where it matters most (your paycheck), these tactics will help you do it with clarity, control, and a little bit of finesse.
1. Signal your excitement without locking yourself in too soon
Always show genuine interest when you get an offer, even if it’s not your top pick. A simple “I’m really excited about this opportunity” goes a long way. But avoid saying yes or giving a verbal commitment too quickly, especially if you have another offer or interview pending.
Instead, buy yourself a little time by asking for the offer in writing and requesting a few days to review everything. This keeps the door open for negotiation and makes sure you’re not backing out of something you accidentally agreed to in the moment, as reported by Hannah Howard at CNBC.
2. Be honest about the competing offer—but stay strategic
You don’t have to reveal every detail of your competing offer, but being transparent that you have one can help spark a better counter. Frame it in a way that emphasizes your enthusiasm for the job you’re negotiating, not as a threat. Something like, “I’m considering another opportunity, but I’m genuinely more excited about this role and wanted to explore ways we could make this work.”
Being vague on specifics helps maintain leverage. You’re giving them just enough to understand you’re in demand, without putting all your cards on the table, as stated by the writers at Way Up.
3. Use the competing offer to frame your value—not just your price
It’s tempting to focus only on salary comparisons, but don’t forget to connect the dots between what you bring and what you’re worth. Explain why you’re receiving interest from other companies. Emphasize your unique skills, recent wins, or industry demand, according to the writers at Chaloner.
When you position yourself as someone others are pursuing because of what you can do—not just what you’re paid—you shift the conversation toward value. And companies are much more likely to stretch their budget when they’re reminded of what they’d miss out on.
4. Don’t bluff unless you’re ready to walk
If you don’t actually plan to accept the other offer, don’t use it as a weapon. Companies can usually smell a bluff, and if it backfires, you risk losing both opportunities. Only bring a competing offer into the conversation if it’s real, and only if you’re truly open to going that route.
Negotiation works best when you’re calm, respectful, and prepared to walk if the deal doesn’t meet your standards. That energy shows through in how you talk—and it often earns more respect than empty posturing.
5. Ask for more than just salary if budget is tight
Sometimes the company you want to work for just can’t match a higher salary. But that doesn’t mean negotiations are over. Ask about bonuses, sign-on perks, relocation support, stock options, extra PTO, or even professional development stipends.
The goal is to build a total compensation package that works for you. A slightly lower paycheck can feel just fine if it comes with better benefits, flexibility, or long-term growth. You won’t know what’s possible unless you ask, so make your priorities clear and keep the conversation going.
6. Lean into timing to keep both offers alive
If your dream job is lagging while another offer is pressuring you to commit, timing becomes your secret weapon. Be honest with both sides about your timeline, but don’t feel obligated to rush. You can often ask for an extension or stall politely by saying you want to make the best-informed decision possible.
Use that time wisely to nudge the slower company and move things forward. Saying, “I’m hoping to make a decision this week and wanted to check in on next steps,” gives a subtle signal without forcing your hand.
7. Let them make the first move in a counteroffer
Once you bring up a competing offer, don’t immediately suggest a number. Let the company respond first. They might surprise you with a better package than you expected, and if they ask what it would take to match or beat the other offer, that’s your cue to be direct.
Silence can be a powerful negotiation tool here. You’ve shown you’re in demand—now give them space to act on it. Let them make the first offer, then decide how much wiggle room is left.
8. Practice your ask so you don’t fumble under pressure
You’ll probably be nervous, especially if you’ve never negotiated before. That’s totally normal. But don’t wing it. Write down what you want to say, practice with a friend, or even record yourself making the ask.
Getting the words out smoothly will help you feel more confident and prevent you from second-guessing mid-conversation. The more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll stick to your value and avoid backtracking if the conversation gets uncomfortable.
9. Know your walk-away point and stick to it
There’s a big difference between being flexible and selling yourself short. Before you start negotiating, decide what your absolute minimum is. If an offer doesn’t hit that number—or doesn’t provide enough value in other ways—be ready to turn it down.
That walk-away line isn’t just about money. It’s about how you want to be treated, how much growth you’re looking for, and how confident you are in your worth. Knowing where you stand gives you control, even when the pressure’s on.
10. Stay kind and professional no matter what happens
Negotiation doesn’t have to be aggressive or combative. You can advocate for yourself while still being respectful, grateful, and easy to work with. In fact, companies are more likely to want to meet your requests when the conversation feels positive.
Even if they say no or can’t meet your expectations, thank them for the opportunity and keep the door open. You never know what future roles might come up—and how you handled this negotiation might be why they think of you next time.
11. Close strong and get everything in writing
Once you’ve landed the final offer, don’t just accept it on the phone and call it a day. Ask for the full details in writing, including any negotiated extras. That protects you and helps avoid misunderstandings later on.
A quick email confirming what was agreed upon keeps everything above board and gives you peace of mind before your first day. Negotiation doesn’t stop when you get a yes—it ends when the deal is clearly documented and both sides feel good about it.