Why this conversation
Offer negotiation is where non-native speakers leave the most money on the table, usually by saying yes too early or by sounding adversarial. This is the version that keeps the warmth and still moves every number.
Dialogue
Recruiter: We're excited to make you an offer: 95k base, 0.1 percent equity, and we can discuss relocation. We'd love an answer by Friday.
Jay: Thank you, I'm genuinely excited about the team, and I want to get to a yes. To do that I need to understand three things, and then I'll come back with one clear ask rather than several rounds.
Recruiter: Of course. What do you need?
Jay: First, the equity: what's the current preferred price, the vesting, and the strike, so I can put a number on it rather than a percentage. Second, the band for this role, so I know where 95 sits in it. Third, relocation: is that a fixed sum or reimbursed costs, and does it include the visa for my family?
Recruiter: The band is 90 to 120. Equity details I'll send today. Relocation is usually a fixed 8k.
Jay: That's helpful, and it tells me 95 is near the bottom of the band for a lead role. Here's my one ask: 112 base, and relocation at 12k including the family visa. If those two are there, I sign Friday, and I won't come back for more.
Recruiter: 112 is a big jump. Can you help me make that case internally?
Jay: Two points. I'd be leading a team through a Sepolia-to-devnet migration in my first quarter, which is the exact work I've done twice, so there's no ramp. And I'm relocating a family across continents; the number has to survive a currency I don't earn in yet.
Recruiter: Let me take that back. Can we have until Monday instead of Friday?
Jay: Monday is fine. And to be clear: if the answer is 105 and 12k, call me anyway. I'd rather talk than lose this over a number.
Key expressions
| Expression | 뜻 · 쓰이는 자리 |
|---|---|
| get to a yes | 예스에 도달하다 |
| one clear ask | 명확한 요청 하나 |
| several rounds | 여러 라운드 |
| put a number on it | 숫자로 환산하다 |
| the band for this role | 이 직무의 급여 밴드 |
| near the bottom of the band | 밴드의 바닥 근처 |
| I won't come back for more | 더 요구하지 않겠다 |
| make that case internally | 내부에서 그 근거를 설득하다 |
| there's no ramp | 적응 기간이 없다 |
| I'd rather talk than lose this over a number | 숫자로 잃기보다 이야기하겠다 |