How to negotiate your first tech job offer (without sounding difficult)

The single most expensive mistake I see first-time offer-holders make isn't asking for too much. It's accepting the first number because they're afraid asking will make the offer disappear.

It almost never does. Companies budget negotiation room into offers by default — turning it down without even a counter is like leaving a tip on the table and walking away before the waiter picks it up.

Here's what actually moves the number, and — just as important — the two things that don't.