4) Offer Evaluation & Negotiation
Base vs bonus vs equity tradeoffs
Your 'Total Compensation' (TC) is usually made up of three different buckets of money. Base Salary: The guaranteed money in every paycheck—this is most important because future raises are based on this. Sign-on Bonus: A one-time payment when you start. Warning: If you quit before one year, you usually have to pay this back! Equity (Stocks): Some companies give you shares. This can make you rich if the company grows, but it's 'paper money' until it vests (usually over 4 years).
Many international students are afraid to negotiate because they think the company will take the offer away. This almost never happens.
- Never make it about "I need more money." Make it about the market. Say: "I am so excited to join. Based on my research for this role in [City], the market rate is slightly higher. Can we get closer to $[X]?"
- Negotiating for a higher salary actually helps your visa. The U.S. government wants to see that you are being paid a "Prevailing Wage" (a fair market salary). If your salary is too low, your H-1B could actually be denied!
- If they can't give you more money, ask for a "Sign-on Bonus" or "Relocation Assistance" to help you move to their city.
Free Resource: How to negotiate salary
5) First Job Execution
Getting your first job in the US is a massive win, but the first three months are the most critical. This is called the Probation Period. During this time, the company is watching to see if you are a high-potential employee worth sponsoring for a visa.
As your guide, I want to show you how to move from the new person to the person they can't afford to lose.
Resources
Record your progress
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