How much negotiation is reasonable?

Anonymous

March 5,2024 at 2:44AM UTC

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How much negotiation is reasonable?

At the beginning of the process, very rich company said their budget was 80-90k. I said that was below my desired salary but would be willing to learn more about the total compensation, etc. I was laid off a few months ago and making 115k - I was hoping to at least come close but this market is insane. It's the same job responsibilities but this new job's title is "lower" in the industry hierarchy.

Anyway - I was offered the job - yay! They offered 90k and I found out their benefits are not great. No 401k match, no bonus, couple weeks PTO.

I'm happy they offered me the top end of their budget. I need a job so I'll take it but... what can I work with here? I clearly can't come in saying I want 115k.

All insight appreciated. Thank you.

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AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 3:19AM UTC
Be happy top of your salary.
They could have said no and you could be MUCH worse off. Otherwise tell them "never mind " and be confident in your decision.
Don't know your full experience, industry or location- let alone other applicants background to make a full consensus.
AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 3:54AM UTC
In this dismal market I'm so happy for you! You know what? There will be future offers and richer comp packages but for now are safely employed and can continue your career.
AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 11:56AM UTC
I've been in a very similar position apart from not being able to say they are a rich company.
They originally went with 75k, I wanted 105k to match my current income. I interviewed as I was referred by someone I highly respect and I thought working with her would be a bonus and I'd know what I am signing up for.
The interview went well and they thought about how they can increase the scope of the role to match my salary expectations better. They offered 90k and I accepted with the promise of a review and raise within 6 months and the possibility of negotiating a bonus at the beginning of the next financial year. I think asking for more is worthwhile, they can always say no.
From my experience as a hiring manager they also always go in lower than they are prepared to go for great talent.
Ask at least once and see how close they get to what you want. About not saying you want 115k, I think you can. I told them when asked about salary expectations that I am on 105k and that I know the budget for the role is lower and I am willing to take a pay drop for the right opportunity. We had an honest conversation that both the interviewer and I were concerned that taking too much of a drop is not conducive to longterm happiness in a role. They also knew that I was made redundant and had to take a job. If you meet the right person they will work with you. If they are not willing to come your way you have a good idea of what it will be look like working for them.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 1:38PM UTC
You can see if they will offer you a hiring bonus or RSUs/options or additional PTO or tuition/training reimbursement. Also find out what the schedule and process is for being evaluated for raises and promotions. In the end if they know they're paying you way less than you wanted they also know that you're likely to keep looking and jump as soon as you get a better paying offer, so use that to your advantage.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 6,2024 at 6:05PM UTC
Or it could blow the offer up.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 1:47PM UTC
as a recruiter for many decades, I would tell the candidate I’m willing to go to the table one time to negotiate, because after that, it becomes somewhat subjective as to the interest level of the candidate the offer is being made to. You should know a range of exactly what you want and also you have to keep in mind if it’s above what they can actually pay, because there are budgets and employee equity, etc. etc. in place they could decide to stay firm and let you walk away because they’ll be concerned if you take the job at a lower salary , you won’t stay. It shouldn’t be that challenging but who knows what’s on employers minds these days? It’s also insane out there. my advice. If you need the job and you like the job and it’s a good fit, take the salary cut because you’re right the markets not good right now.
Suzanne TaylorMarch 6,2024 at 1:48PM UTC
Always ask about more!
The worst that happens is they can't offer you anything else, and you accept the 90k.
Ask the external recruiter or internal HR person if any of the compensation package is negotiable. State you're very excited about the job opportunity and don't want the lower pay to dampen your enthusiasm about joining the company. One-time bonuses -- like a hiring bonus or 6-month performance bonus -- are generally easier to negotiate than a salary increase, especially if the company has pay transparency/salary bands. It's also possible to negotiate to be evaluated for a raise in 6 months or 12 months.
Depending on how "rich"/big this company is and your job tier, you may be able to ask for stock options (like RSUs) or other equity. Let the recruiter/HR contact tell you what's on the table first then try mentioning some of these other avenues to sweeten the pot.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 6,2024 at 6:05PM UTC
The worst that can happen is they rescind the offer.
Suzanne TaylorMarch 8,2024 at 12:17AM UTC
That is certainly worse! However, I've worked with hundreds of clients in the job search and never seen an offer rescinded because they attempted negotiations. Do you have a different experience?
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 11,2024 at 2:05AM UTC
Maybe you're new to this site but there are several instances of offers being rescinded after an attempt to negotiate. Including one woman on here who was devastated when an offer for what she considered her dream job was rescinded.
I read these cases on LinkedIn also. It also happened to me personally. I was ghosted on an offer when I asked about the possibility of a sign-on bonus because I would not have been eligible for a review/raise for at least 18 months. Mind you, I didn't actually ask for a sign on bonus - just asked about the possibility.
Anecdotally, in my 20 plus years of recruiting, I have seen this happen to women more than men.
Sarah MachonMarch 8,2024 at 9:09AM UTC
I think that is very unlikely. It’s a bad look for a company to do so. Asking once you’ve received the offer should not be a negative.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 11,2024 at 2:07AM UTC
It's not unlikely. It absolutely is a bad look for a company. It also happens on the regular.
Maybe you're new to this site but there are several instances of offers being rescinded after an attempt to negotiate. Including one woman on here who was devastated when an offer for what she considered her dream job was rescinded.
I read these cases on LinkedIn also. It also happened to me personally. I was ghosted on an offer when I asked about the possibility of a sign-on bonus because I would not have been eligible for a review/raise for at least 18 months. Mind you, I didn't actually ask for a sign on bonus - just asked about the possibility.
Anecdotally, in my 20 plus years of recruiting, I have seen this happen to women more than men.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 5:07PM UTC
You shared with them your want, they told you their max. You kept interviewing anyway and now the juncture is simple. Ask about when they do reviews and promotions- let them know you are a high achiever and plan to do great things, see if they might offer a sign on bonus, ask about spot bonuses. Be subtle when you ask because offers can be rescinded and if you go hard with disappointment it might blow the offer up. Then if you really need the job and everything else aligns take it even at the 90. Its better than zero and remaining unemployed.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 6,2024 at 6:07PM UTC
I would start with finding out if there is room for negotiation.
Ask the recruiter if there's any wiggle room in the offer or if there's any room to negotiate. Some companies make their best offer right off the bat.
Kristin PoppMarch 7,2024 at 1:17PM UTC
Yeah, I always say if unemployed take the first job you get an offer on, doesn’t matter what.
You have income coming in. You’ll learn to budget appropriately. Easier to get a job while employed than not. From there, you may like the people and culture and choose to stay, do so well with less stress and get promoted or you’ll find something in the meantime. I wouldn’t ask for anything over 90K since they already made the offer and you’ve already had the conversation. My role that has gone up in industry from $41K 14 years ago to now around $80-$115K, is wild!! But if you’re up there, $90K is good.
Diane Frances Lesley-NeumanMarch 8,2024 at 6:00PM UTC
Be grateful.