Checklist

Written offer decision checklist

A private checklist for setting the comparison, walk-away rule, evidence and written response before an offer conversation begins.

Go to the checklistFree, on this page, no email.

Use this in practice

Complete this before responding to the offer. The goal is a decision rule and written language you can use without improvising on a call.

Set the decision

Write the total package, not only base salary.
Name the strongest credible alternative, including staying where you are.
Set the number or condition below which the move is not worth making.
List the two terms that matter after compensation.

Prepare the evidence

Use role scope, market evidence, competing options and the value required to make the move.
Do not invent an offer or disclose confidential compensation.
Choose one clear request instead of a list of unrelated improvements.

Prepare the response

Show interest without accepting.
Make the request in writing.
Give the reason without turning it into a life story.
Decide the fallback before the recruiter replies.

Go deeper

This resource covers one decision. The books below go further on the same subject, written from the hiring side from 500+ technical interviews. Each book page shows what is inside, who it is for, and a free sample where there is one.