got an offer last month that was 22k below market for my level (L5, backend, NYC). here's exactly what i did.
first: i did not panic-accept. i bought time with "i'm excited and need a couple days to review the full package." that's it. no drama, no ultimatum.
then i pulled three data sources before calling back: levels.fyi for L5 equivalents at comparable companies, a recent TC thread for NYC specifically, and two friends at similar companies who told me their total comp. i now had a real floor, not a vibes number.
the counter call
opened by re-affirming genuine interest (this part matters, recruiters notice flat affect). then:
"based on my research into market comps for this level and location, i was hoping we could get to [X]. is there flexibility on base? or if base is locked, could we look at the sign-on?"
that sentence does a few things. it anchors to market, not to greed. it gives them an out if one bucket is frozen (a lot of companies have rigid salary bands but flexible sign-on). and it asks a question, which keeps the conversation going.
what happened
they came up 14k on base and added 10k sign-on. total improvement: 24k on year-one comp. took exactly one counter call, about 12 minutes.
some notes: i never told them my current salary. "i'd rather focus on what the role is worth" and moved on. i never cited a competing offer i didn't actually have. that's a move that can blow up fast. i had a real walkaway number before the call. without that, you'll fold under pressure.
countering a lowball offer doesn't require aggressive tactics. it requires data, a specific ask, and the ability to sit in a pause for 4 seconds while they respond. most people can't do the last part.