9. Negotiating the offer

Steps:

1. Thank and show enthusiasm — they should know you want to join.
2. Ask for time to review the written offer and CTC breakup (24–72 hours is reasonable).
3. Identify gaps vs your target and the market.
4. Make one clear, justified request — by phone/video if possible, followed up in email.

"Thank you — I'm excited about the role and the team. Having reviewed the offer, the fixed component is about 12% below what I'm seeing for similar senior roles, and below another offer I'm considering. Given my Azure and payments experience that you highlighted in the interviews, would it be possible to bring the fixed pay to ₹26 lakhs? If that's difficult on base, a joining bonus or an earlier performance review would also help."

5. Negotiate the package, not just base: joining bonus, notice-period buyout, relocation, designation/level, ESOPs, remote days, review timing (e.g. revision after 6 months), learning budget, start date.
6. Get the final offer in writing before resigning.
7. Know when to stop — after one or two rounds, decide. Don't bluff with fake offers.