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Decide whether to counter an offer, with the gap in numbers
- For Job seekers
- You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
- Time about 5 minutes
About this exercise
You got a job offer and need to decide your reply. Write exactly 3 numbered lines labeled Decision, Gap, Ask. Gap shows the math between your target and the latest offer. Ask names one specific number. The recruiter updated the offer after the letter, so use the latest number. Plain text, under 70 words.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Using the first offer. The letter says $52,000 and the AI does the math on it. Try: Add: "The latest offer is $54,000 from the recruiter's message."
- Vague ask. The AI suggests 'asking for more' without a number. Try: Add: "Ask names one specific number from my research."
- Taking the friend's advice. The AI picks up '20% more' from your notes. Try: Add: "Base the ask on my research range, not 20%."
- A negotiation essay. The AI writes scripts, tips and headings. Try: Say: "Exactly 3 numbered lines: Decision, Gap, Ask. Plain text."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting words, so a total word cap usually lands over. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 15 words."
What a strong prompt includes
- Names the labels
- Uses the latest offer
- Shows the math
- Sets the line count
- Caps the length
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