1. You give initial response
1.1. Express enthusiasm
1.1.1. Otherwise they will be worried that even if you take the offer, you won't stay long and won't put in your best work
1.2. Ask for a few days to a week to think
1.2.1. Exception is if the salary is too less than what you were expecting, say 25% less
1.2.1.1. Because getting 20% more may be very hard
1.2.1.2. Better to find out earlier than later
1.2.1.3. In that case, say right away "I'm really excited blah blah blah but the salary is a fair amount lower than what I was expecting. I know that in Bay Area, market rate for someone with X degree and experience is in the range A to B"
1.2.1.3.1. Use this tactic only when salary will make you turn down the job immediately
1.2.1.3.2. Don't use it for a job you want but negotiate 5% higher salary
2. Makes an offer
2.1. Expiry should be at least a week
2.2. If you're interviewing other companies, let them know you got an offer and when you need to respond
3. Company tells you that an offer is coming
3.1. Request in email
3.1.1. Allows you to sit down and consider the whole package
3.1.2. Not frantically taking notes during a phone call
3.1.3. You should never consider the offer to be official until it's in writing
4. Decide whether the offer is good enough for you
4.1. Choosing between two "good" job offers
4.1.1. If there's a deal-breaker, negotiate
4.1.2. Ask to meet again with the hiring manager or potential co-workers to gather more info
4.1.3. Consider the long term
4.1.4. Consider life choices
4.2. Remember that you can only do the best you can with the information you have
4.2.1. It's an infuriating fact of life
4.3. Turn down any other offers with grace
5. Negotiate for the best offer you can get
5.1. Don't give your number first
5.2. Fight impostor syndrome
5.2.1. Focus on your unique experience
5.2.2. Don't compare yourself to an impossible-to-achieve DS ideal
5.2.3. You'll never learn everything there is to know in DS
5.2.4. What you know and what you have done overlaps others and also sets you apart
5.2.4.1. It is NOT a subset of others
5.3. At least 5%
5.4. Appropriate salary NOT based on what you made before or what the company may initially offer
5.4.1. Depends on what companies are offering people with your skill set
5.4.2. Esp. strong in DS because of massive disparity
5.5. Companies frequently offer a lower amount, anticipating that you'll negotiate
5.6. In addition to salary you can negotiate
5.6.1. Sign on bonus
5.6.2. Moving allowance
5.6.3. Stock
5.7. How much you can negotiate
5.7.1. Best lever is a competing offer
5.7.2. Another is your current job
5.7.2.1. Consider the whole package, not just salary
5.7.3. The more it seems the position was designed for you when you saw the job posting, the more leverage you're likely to have
5.7.4. If you've negotiated and get everything you asked for, the company expects you to accept!
5.7.4.1. Start negotiating only if you'll take the offer when all your conditions are met
5.8. Negotiation tactics
5.8.1. Start by showing that you're thankful and excited
5.8.2. Be prepared
5.8.2.1. Exactly what you're looking to change
5.8.2.2. What total compensation you'd like
5.8.2.3. Don't blurt out something in the heat of the moment
5.8.3. Listen to what the person at the other end is telling you
5.8.3.1. If they don't negotate salary, ask about options or signing bonus
5.8.4. Don't seem like you're focused only on money (even if you are)
5.8.5. Try to keep a communal focus
5.8.6. Package your desires together instead of going point by point
5.8.7. Avoid self-deprecation