Should I Counter Offer?

Anonymous

October 5,2021 at 9:55PM UTC

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Should I Counter Offer?

I interviewed for an internal job and was offered the position. The current job offer is 9750 more per year than my current position. However it comes with a merit lock until 2023. One of our outside sales told me I should counter offer (I am a corporate employee). My husband says don’t because it’s already more money but not sure what I should do.

Any advice is appreciated. For reference it is a Fortune 500 and the new position is a Salary Grade increase as well.

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AnonymousOctober 5,2021 at 10:00PM UTC
If you counter-offer and they say no, be prepared to lose.
I'm not trying to be negative, just real. Many people are looking and they can go elsewhere.
We are ALL worth more than we are paid. I just don't want you to lose out.
AnonymousOctober 5,2021 at 11:45PM UTC
Its internal so I would stay with the company
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 1:19AM UTC
yup. Had an offer rescinded recently and was shocked. I don't know how common it is, but I do know it happens, now. :( Good luck to you, OP.
Pat RoqueOctober 5,2021 at 11:09PM UTC
Never leave money or other elements you value on the table. Car, extra time off, flex time, home office equipment, signing bonus… get clear on your priorities and make a list along with justification. Show them where to potentially find money in other packets.
If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
I helped a client create a 70k negotiation ask and he got $40k more. Heck he would have been happy with where he was but now he is REALLY happy!
Polite, confident Tone and smile work wonders, they won’t typically walk away if you are the ONE.
AnonymousOctober 5,2021 at 11:48PM UTC
What exactly is a signing bonus and how do you ask for one? I did some research and found for our area the median income for a position similar is about 6k higher than the offer. I have already heard that my manager and the hiring manager really want me. Since I will not be eligible for merit increase until 2023 I want to ensure that I am not setting myself up for issues. Also I worry about bonus pay since it will be stepping into a position that the previous person left much to be desired. I also will need to do double work for probably 2 months this year. Do you have any websites or articles that will help with something like this?
Allison LaRockOctober 6,2021 at 12:44AM UTC
I would say no- most companies don’t take too kindly to that. It’s a good raise. I’d just take it
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 12:45AM UTC
I would recommend doing some market research for the salary ranges for the new position.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 12:45AM UTC
Go for it! I countered the salary when I interviewed for my current position (also Fortune 500 growing like mad). The final offer was the same salary but my bonus % was made higher and has more than made up for the salary. So consider other ways this company can compensate you. Good luck!
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachOctober 6,2021 at 1:09AM UTC
Would merit otherwise hit in early 2022? Since we're almost there, they may just be saying you are not eligible for merit so soon after starting a new role- really common. Just a thought. At many organizations you need to be in a role a minimum period of time before getting merit.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 1:49AM UTC
With a little market research you can determine what your best move is.
You never counter just for the sake of countering. Your push back should be based on research and market knowledge.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 2:16AM UTC
What would a man do? He would have the confidence to negotiate. All they can do is say no. Ask about things other than money. Telework flexibility, PTO, other benefits that they may approve.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 2:43PM UTC
I recently tried to negotiate and the offer was rescinded. I don't think it's common and I can't know everything that went into the decision the other side--but I would caution against anyone, esp any woman thinking: what's the worst that can happen, they'll just say no. Nope. The worst is the offer being pulled.
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 2:57AM UTC
A "negotiation" is not a counter offer. You express extreme interest, and ask if there are any additional benefits. Generally, an employer doesn't shut down a request with pulling a job offer.
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 2:15PM UTC
It turned out disastrously. I don't think it's common, but now I really worry for other people in this boat. If I had known that being turned away with no chance to get things back on the rails was possible I would have acted differntly. But every industry is different; this happened to me in academia so I hope it's very rare
AnonymousOctober 8,2021 at 6:07PM UTC
Probably because you are a woman. It offended them that you had the gall to ask for more. Imagine, what trouble you could cause after being hired?
Double standard, alive and well in acadamia.
Stacey BackOctober 6,2021 at 10:00AM UTC
What are the market rates for someone with your level of experience? Why do you deserve more money? I'm a firm believer in asking the question -- IF you have the evidence to support your request. The worse thing they can say is no -- or meet you halfway!
Here's an article on negotiation conversations which you may find helpful: https://www.profilecareers.com.au/how-to-negotiate/
Let us know how you go!
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 10:17AM UTC
If merit raises are a typical part of your company culture, the lock is until early 2023, and the new pay is reasonable for the role, I'd say no. I would suggest waiting until you're fully up-to-speed and then making a case for where you want to be based on market rates in your area and field as well as your accomplishments in the new position.
Joshua CorderoOctober 6,2021 at 1:16PM UTC
I'm in sales so I say always counter offer.
VeronicaOctober 6,2021 at 1:40PM UTC
Always counter offer! Good Luck and let us know how it goes!
Jackie GhedineOctober 7,2021 at 10:31AM UTC
Always counteroffer. Always.
Notice who, in the string said to counteroffer, the man. Men counteroffer and negotiate all the time. It's one of the reasons why we make $.82 on the dollar.
There is a tremendous worth deficit women have and we need to turn it into a worth surplus. Understand the value you bring and how it will positively impact the bottom line. Believe, with conviction, "I'm the only one who can do this job this way" and negotiate.
Laura Ann KleinOctober 7,2021 at 10:33PM UTC
this!!
Faith SaundersOctober 7,2021 at 10:35AM UTC
Where I am from, there is a saying, "Closed mouths don't get fed." In other words, ask for what you want. What is the worst that can happen? They say no or you may get what you want or even more. I find that many women, and I am being honest, I am including myself, undervalue ourselves and don't ask for what we want, especially in the work setting. It is called salary negotiations and it is normal. I vote to ask - you are worth it!
If you don't ask you will be left wondering, 'I wonder if I had asked what would have happened?"
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 6:07PM UTC
yay
Belen PerezOctober 8,2021 at 1:43PM UTC
Counter offer now while you're still in a position to negotiate. It's much harder to get what you want once you've been hired.