Respond to pushback

Recruiters often respond to a counter with pushback: “That’s the top of the band,” “This is our best offer,” or “We don’t negotiate on base.” Sometimes it is final; often it means one component is constrained while others are not. Your job is to find where the flexibility is, while keeping the tone collaborative.

• Base at the top of the band? Ask about equity, the signing bonus, or a performance review (and raise) at six months.
• Equity fixed? Ask about the signing bonus or a second-year bonus to offset forfeited unvested equity or a bonus you are leaving behind.
• Cash fixed? Consider non-monetary levers: start date, extra vacation, remote work, title or level, learning budget, relocation.
• Ask what is possible: “What flexibility do you have on the overall package?” invites them to suggest where they can move.

If you are leaving money behind - unvested equity or a bonus that pays after your start date - say so. Companies frequently use signing bonuses to make candidates whole, and it is a concrete, reasonable request. Before accepting a final answer, confirm it: “Is this the best you can do on the total package?”