Prepare for a Salary Negotiation
Build a calm, evidence-based negotiation plan you can verify.
Salary negotiation prep should separate evidence, research to verify, relationship tone, and fallback options. This Cookbook is not legal, financial, tax, or employment-law advice; verify all salary figures with reliable sources before using them. It never invents market ranges or tells you what you deserve without evidence. What you finish: a downloadable project kit including a negotiation objective, evidence case, research checklist, target and fallback plan, opening script, pushback responses, follow-up note, and decision checklist. Before you start: gather only truthful facts about your work and the target role. Approximate time: about 70 minutes. Steps: 7. A free AI chat account is usually enough. Do not paste Social Security numbers, account passwords, full home addresses, private references' contact details, confidential employer documents, proprietary customer data, or medical/disability information unless you intentionally choose to disclose it. Before using an external AI, remove phone numbers, street addresses, and other identifying details you do not need for this step. Loop for every step: review → copy prompt → paste into your AI → review the answer → paste into SousMeow → use the confidence check → improve or continue.
- Made for
- Job seekers and employees preparing a calm, evidence-based compensation conversation
- You leave with
- negotiation objective, evidence case, research checklist, target and fallback plan, opening conversation draft, pushback responses, follow-up note, and decision checklist
- Time
- about 70 minutes
- Steps
- 7 guided steps
- Requires
- any AI you already use (a free chat account is usually enough); sample answers included where available
Also in Recently Added Deep Workflows
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Stages
4 stages in sequence-
11 step
Clarify
Define the negotiation type and objective.
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23 steps
Prepare evidence
Build the evidence case, research checklist, and target/fallback plan.
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32 steps
Practice conversation
Draft the opener and prepare calm responses to pushback.
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41 step
Decide
Pack follow-up notes and a decision checklist.
Workflow steps
7 steps · completed in orderStage 1: Clarify
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1
Clarify negotiation objective
Define what you are negotiating, what evidence is available, and what must be verified.
Negotiation goes better when the ask, evidence, and constraints are clear before wording begins. This step separates preferences from verified facts. It also reminds the user that this is not legal, financial, tax, or employment-law advice.
- Objective is evidence-based The ask is tied to facts and verification needs.
- No invented ranges The output does not create market salary figures.
- Advice boundaries are clear Legal, financial, and employment-law limits are named.
Stage 2: Prepare evidence
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2
Build evidence case
Organize accomplishments and scope into a calm case for the conversation.
A negotiation case should rest on role fit, scope, and verified accomplishments rather than pressure or vague deserving. This step creates evidence language that can support an ask without inventing impact. It also separates strong evidence from weaker claims.
- Proof points are real The case uses supplied accomplishments only.
- No unsupported deserve claim Phrasing ties the ask to evidence and research.
- Weak claims are visible Unsupported claims are explicitly avoided.
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3
Prepare research checklist
List the compensation, policy, and context checks to verify before choosing numbers.
Salary figures should come from research the user can verify, not AI guesses. This step creates a checklist for market context, employer policy, benefits, and timing. It keeps the next target-setting step honest.
- Checklist requires verification The user has source categories to check before choosing figures.
- No ranges are invented The output contains no made-up salary figures.
- Source quality is addressed The checklist explains how to judge research usefulness.
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4
Define target and fallbacks
Create a target/fallback planning sheet using only verified user-supplied figures or non-salary options.
A negotiation needs a target, acceptable alternatives, and a decision process before the conversation. The AI should not choose numbers without verified research. This step gives structure while leaving figures to the user's verified sources.
- No invented target Targets use bracketed fields unless verified figures were supplied.
- Alternatives are policy-aware Non-salary levers include verification notes.
- Decision remains with user The plan asks decision questions instead of making financial decisions.
Stage 3: Practice conversation
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5
Draft opening conversation
Write a concise opener that makes the ask calmly and leaves space for dialogue.
The opening sets the tone for the negotiation. It should be direct, evidence-based, and respectful. It should not sound like a threat or rely on unverified market claims.
- Opener is calm and clear The ask is understandable and relationship-aware.
- Figures stay verified Bracketed fields are used when figures are not supplied.
- Risky lines are blocked The avoid list prevents unsupported claims.
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6
Prepare pushback responses
Prepare calm replies to common constraints without arguing or inventing leverage.
Pushback is normal in negotiation, and preparation prevents reactive language. Responses should acknowledge constraints, restate evidence, and ask a useful next question. They should not invent competing offers or legal claims.
- Responses stay collaborative Pushback replies acknowledge constraints and ask useful questions.
- Pause is available The user has language to avoid rushed decisions.
- Leverage is truthful Unsupported leverage is explicitly avoided.
Stage 4: Decide
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7
Pack follow-up and decision
Finish with follow-up messages, a verification checklist, and decision review prompts.
The final step helps the user leave a clear record and make a deliberate decision. It should support review, not decide for the user. Follow-up language must reflect only what actually happened.
- Follow-up uses real details only Conversation details are bracketed until true.
- Decision remains user-owned Checklist asks questions instead of deciding.
- Verification is complete Figures, policies, deadlines, and written terms are checked.
Your information
8 details, answered once- Negotiation type Choose the closest situation.
- Role and location Name the role and location context. Do not include private home address details.
- Compensation context Include only offer or current-comp details you intentionally want to use. Verify all figures before negotiating. Remove phone numbers, street addresses, and account details before pasting. Do not paste Social Security numbers, account passwords, full home
- Relevant accomplishments List real achievements, scope, responsibilities, and feedback. Only include numbers you can verify.
- Preferred outcome Name what you would like to improve. Use figures only if you have verified them.
- Acceptable alternatives List non-salary options you would consider. This is planning support, not financial advice.
- Relationship and tone Choose the conversation style that fits the relationship.
- Known constraints Known budget, policy, timing, risk, or relationship constraints. Do not guess hidden constraints.
Finished files
What you export when every step is approved
One Markdown file per approved step, plus kit.html (opens in any browser, offline)
and a README of what you approved.
kit.htmlOffline HTML reader for every approved step01-clarify-negotiation-objective.mdClarify negotiation objective02-build-evidence-case.mdBuild evidence case03-prepare-research-checklist.mdPrepare research checklist04-define-target-and-fallbacks.mdDefine target and fallbacks05-draft-opening-conversation.mdDraft opening conversation06-prepare-pushback-responses.mdPrepare pushback responses07-pack-follow-up-and-decision.mdPack follow-up and decisionREADME.mdManifest of what you approved