s it possible to negotiate salary after you receive the offer?

8 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 29,2025 at 1:27PM UTC

   Definitely negotiate! It’s your only chance

2. AnonymousApril 29,2025 at 2:22PM UTC

   Absolutely negotiate. No 401k match? Bonuses aren't always guaranteed, but that there is not even an opportunity for bonus is not ideal. Where you bonus eligible with previous or current employer? If so, I'd use that information as well. What about vacation/PTO - how does that compare? What about medical/dental/vision (if HSA - do they do employer contribution?)?

3. Barb HansenApril 29,2025 at 2:43PM UTC

   It is never too late to negiotate assuming you haven't signed the offer, and frankly, until you've received a formal offer letter and you know everything they are offering or not offering, you don't know what you are negiotating against.

   So, yes, now is a great time to negiotate to get their offer closer to the total compensation package you want.

   Good luck!

4. AnonymousApril 29,2025 at 3:22PM UTC

   Yes you can always negotiate. But, you simply forgot to ask these questions and to set expectations during the interview process only to be disappointed by not knowing at the end. Not all companies can afford to match 401K but that does not mean you should not participate in one. Not every company can afford bonuses for leadership or other roles. Set your expectations in line with the offer they gave you and decide first if you want the job. If you do ask about when raises happen, when you can expect reviews of your work and if there are spot bonuses for going above and beyond. If none of these apply the role might just pay what they offered you and you simply have to say I want the job or not.

5. Daniela GlaserApril 29,2025 at 3:46PM UTC

   Check out our event recording on "Negotiate Your Total Work Package" here: https://fairygodboss.com/events/-eGsTzl0e/negotiate-your-total-work-package or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv3F0T7Be6Y.

6. D. Prude, PHR, SHRM-SCPApril 29,2025 at 4:00PM UTC

   Yes! It is absolutely appropriate to revisit salary negotiations after receiving an offer—especially if new information impacts the overall value of the compensation package.

   Since the lack of 401(k) match and bonus structure wasn’t made clear during the interview process, it's reasonable to express that this changes how the offer aligns with your expectations—particularly for a leadership role.

   Here are a few suggestions:

   Approach Professionally and Promptly – Reach out soon after reviewing the offer. Express appreciation, reiterate your enthusiasm, and explain that the benefits gap is significant compared to your current or expected total compensation.

   Be Specific – Clearly outline the value of what you're giving up (e.g., bonus, retirement contributions) and propose a revised base salary to help offset the difference.

   Stay Collaborative – Frame the conversation as a mutual effort to find alignment rather than a demand.

   If you'd like help drafting a message or planning what to say, I’m happy to help.

7. AnonymousApril 29,2025 at 5:42PM UTC

   Excellent advice.

8. AnonymousApril 29,2025 at 7:22PM UTC

   Yes, it is absolutely acceptable to counter the offer.

   401k - look into investing what you would through a financial advisor, or an IRA. Seek financial guidance. 401k's are not that robust unless they match 1:1 or if it's 2% of the first 5% you defer = a higher yield savings account, but again seek financial counsel.
   Then on the leadership bonuses, not sure this is with every company but if you expect 10K then ask for that. But know, 10K is taxed. So you won't get 100%, so be realistic. I was a former recruiter and am considered a tough negotiator in my current role plus I was in sales and negotiated salaries. all. the. time. People like to negotiate in gross amounts with salaries. Negotiate in taxed amounts so you can get more. If you want to net 10K then you need to negotiate higher than after taxes you get 10K. In this business climate of today, I would more concerned the company is financially healthy. Ask if increases are earned upon each yearly review.