I was offered a position and it’s what I really want.

6 Comments

1. Barb HansenMay 4,2022 at 11:22PM UTC

   Here is what I say when negotiating,

   "I'm excited about this position and I look forward to working with you. I understand that this position has a base salary of $10 + benefits with a bonus structure of $5 per quarter based on both the company performance and my ability to meet goals.

   With my experience and my proven ability to advance my team and to improve the companies bottom line, I'm worth a base salary of $12.00 + benefits and a bonus structure of $7.50 per quarter. Is that doable for this position?"

   Then wait for a response.

   You can always negotiate additional vacation time, educational stipends, stock bonuses, or a higher title if you can't meet on salary.

2. AnonymousMay 5,2022 at 12:37AM UTC

   Good advice from Barb.

   One additional thing, if you feel that the salary is fair, and they don’t counter, don’t feel like you are being taken advantage of. Also, if you already gave a range, don’t try to negotiate above that range unless you have a better offer in hand or okay passing on the oppty.

   As someone who has done a good bit of hiring recently, I never begrudge someone trying to get the max, but we put our best foot forward on base salary on the hopes you can say yes quickly. I’m usually not going to risk losing someone over a small increase, but a substantive one is typically a nonstarter and I will wish them well. I don’t people to start feeling underpaid, it’s a recipe for frustration for both of us.

   And it puts a bad taste in my mouth when someone says “I’m looking for $10-12” and I give them 11-13. And they come back asking for a minimum $15. (Just following the hypothetical rates in the other response)

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 5,2022 at 1:18AM UTC

   You said you were offered a position - does that mean you've already received a verbal offer?

   Is this an internal position or with a new company?

   If you haven't received the verbal offer yet, how do you know you want to negotiate if you don't know what the offer will be?

   I'm not saying don't negotiate but I always encourage folks to approach with caution when negotiating an offer. I have seen people negotiate themselves right out of an offer. I have also seen offers pulled for what I consider to be no good reason other than asking.

   The first thing is - do you know the salary range? In most organizations I have worked with, HR never lets an offer go out above the midpoint of the range. Say the salary range is $80k to $120k - the midpoint of the range would be $100k. The target might be $95k.

   Some companies low ball candidates and some companies make their best offer right off the bat.

   You can start the conversation after you're presented with a verbal offer by asking something like "do you have any wiggle room on that?" or "is there any room for negotiation here?"

   And please, please please - no matter what anyone tells you to the contrary - know that not everything is negotiable. A lot of things like benefits and PTO are Company policy and the same for everyone except possibly at the most senior executive level.

   Please let me know if you have any questions. Good luck and keep us posted!

4. AnonymousMay 5,2022 at 1:23AM UTC

   Thank you! Yes, I have received a verbal offer with the salary amount. I’m scheduled to have a call with the Director tomorrow to share my decision.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 5,2022 at 5:09AM UTC

   Who presented you the verbal offer? The recruiter? What did you say when you received the verbal offer? If you want to negotiate why didn't you negotiate then?

   The Director you're speaking with tomorrow - is that the Director of HR?

6. AnonymousMay 5,2022 at 2:01AM UTC

   If not already documented in your resume and cover letter itemize your previous success stories, and accomplishments at your former jobs that are connected or related to the job function at this new job. Use those as justification for the increased amount. So don't just ask, provide concrete examples of why you believe you should be given the increased amount based on your proven track record. Even if they say no, do not see if as a bad thing. Sometimes the no is due to a cap on what HR budget allows and may have been pre-determined waaay before the job posting was even made public.