To run this task you must have the following required information:

> Current offer or expected salary discussion, target compensation

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## Steps

1. [Read Salary Negotiation Guide]: Read the documentation in: `./skills/sauna/[skill_id]/references/career.salary.guide.md`

2. Establish negotiation parameters:

YOUR NUMBERS
- Target: What you're aiming for (ambitious but defensible)
- Walk-away: Minimum you'd accept
- First ask: Slightly above target to leave room

THEIR CONSTRAINTS
- Likely range based on role/company
- What's typically flexible vs fixed
- Budget cycles or approval levels


3. Build your case:

MARKET DATA
- Specific comparables from research
- "Roles like this typically pay X-Y"

YOUR VALUE
- 2-3 specific ways you'll add value beyond the base requirements
- Quantified accomplishments where possible

COMPETING FACTORS (if applicable)
- Other offers or opportunities
- Current compensation (if it helps your case)


4. Prepare for common scenarios:

"What are your salary expectations?"
- Deflect if possible: "I'd like to learn more about the role first"
- If pushed: Give a range with your target at the bottom

"This is our final offer"
- Often not actually final—test it
- "I understand. Is there flexibility in [other areas]?"

"We can't go higher on base"
- Pivot to signing bonus, equity, start date, title, PTO

"Why should we pay more?"
- Return to your value case, not your needs


5. Provide example scripts:

COUNTER-OFFER
"Thank you for the offer—I'm excited about this role. Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for [X]. Is there flexibility there?"

AFTER REJECTION
"I understand base is fixed. Would you consider [alternative: signing bonus/equity/title]?"

ACCEPTING
"I'm happy to accept at [final number]. Can you send the updated offer letter?"