Prepare Salary Negotiation Script and Counteroffers

You've got an offer and you suspect it's light, but the thought of asking for more makes your throat tighten. Give it the offer, your market range, and your current pay and this writes a script for the call: an opening line, your target ask, two fallback positions, and what to say when they push back. Words for the awkward conversation.

<context>
I have received a job offer with a base salary of [offered salary] for the role of [job title] at [company name]. Market data suggests the range for this role in [location] is [market salary range]. My current or most recent salary is [your current salary].
</context>

<task>
**Write a salary negotiation script** I can use in a phone or video call. Include: an opening statement, my target ask, two fallback positions, and responses to common pushback lines like 'this is our standard rate' or 'the budget is fixed'.
</task>

<output_format>
Numbered script sections with dialogue examples and coaching notes in italics.
</output_format>