I was extended a job offer, signed the offer and now I want to ask for a higher pay.

I was extended a job offer, signed the offer and now I want to ask for a higher pay. Is it too late?

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16 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Well.... honestly, yes. That's terrible form; unless there is something about your role or responsibilities you only found out after the fact. That's my feeling.... perhaps it depends how badly they need you, but to do so sounds like starting out with bad feelings! What motivated you to want to ask for more now?

  2. Anonymous

    Since you already signed it yes. Was there something about your role you just found out about that they kept from you that would warrant more pay? The only scenario where I can see this working is if you got a job offer somewhere else and they were willing to offer you more pay and you are using that as a bargaining chip. If so, just make sure you have proof in case they ask. But even if that is the case,they can still say no.

  3. Kathy Sterner

    You could try to renegotiate if your reasons are logical. As a recruiter, I am used to different strategies by candidates. If you plan on withdrawing your acceptance after requesting more $$, go ahead and ask. If not, have a great reason for doing so.

  4. Echo Schneider

    Can you please tell us more about why the change? As others have commented, it really is too late unless something changed from what you contractually agreed to.

  5. Anonymous

    It depends if something has changed with the job since signing the offer.

    If it's because you think you can get more from them since you have a competing offer at a high salary or can afford to have the company rescind the offer then I would chance it.

  6. Anonymous

    Thank you all for responding. In short, I found out that my future counterpart are at a higher pay scale than what I asked for and ultimately offered.

  7. Anonymous

    So by future counterpart...how much higher of a pay scale? How long have they been there? I mean, honestly, if it's not a huge amount, I wouldn't do it if they've been there a while. That would likely be why they are higher.

  8. Anonymous

    I think it's too late since you signed the offer. There are many reasons why the other colleague is being paid more and it depends on how much more.

  9. Anonymous

    were you offered the salary you asked for? presumably you asked for a salary that you felt reflected your skills and experience—as did your future counterpart—and your acceptance of their offer was an acknowledgement that that requirement was met. so unless you know that your skills and experience match that of the future counterpart exactly and you can therefore argue for pay parity, it really is too late. as others have said, you can ask for a salary review in 6 months and try to make a case for a salary increase then.

  10. Christi Miller

    I think it might be too late unless you have a very good reason. You could always ask for a raise 6 months in.

  11. Audrey Kirsch

    Give it a couple months to show them you deserve an increase. You asked for a salary that you felt was fair and sufficient to live on, they met that so it’s too late to ask for more before putting in any work.

  12. Anonymous

    Appreciated all the responses and advice.

  13. Jo Ro

    Contrary to the comment left here, if you have a good repour with the hiring group, ask and explain why! But explain the reasons. Not just I think, I should get paid more. Your reason should be mind sobering. In your lifetime you get to do this once and it may work or not work. I would do it. Good luck.

  14. Anonymous

    I just did this and regret it. My manager's whole demeanor changed. I asked about salary because I got here and realized the gravity of the situation. This company might be on the verge of financial distress. I was brought in to focus on one project but two, possibly three are needed. Either way, I'd advise waiting six months if you're building a relationship with your manager.

  15. Liz Milne

    Would you be happy if you'd signed the contract and your new employers went, 'Oh, actually? The pay we mentioned? Not quite as high as we said - that's okay, right?'

    I'm guessing not.

    And your new bosses will feel exactly the same about you asking for a rise before you've even started work - the time to haggle was during interviews and negotiations, not after you've already signed, imo...

    My advice, wait three months, or whatever the probationary period is and then, maybe, broach it. Not before then...

  16. Anonymous

    I would say it may be too late now because you agreed and signed a contract with the salary. However, after continuing to build a relationship and report with the team you can revisit the situation.

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