Starting a salary negotiation

Balanced990262

August 5,2022 at 6:35PM UTC

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Starting a salary negotiation

What is a good “opening statement “ when an employer is offering you the job but the salary isn’t as high as what you expected or deserve?

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Tasha L. SimmonsAugust 5,2022 at 8:44PM UTC
Great question
In personal or in writing
Balanced990262August 5,2022 at 8:46PM UTC
Personal.
If they offer it over the phone, I want to know what I should say next.
AnonymousAugust 5,2022 at 9:03PM UTC
"Thank you for the offer and I am looking forward to joining the team! (always show your excitement and gratitude first)"
"However, the salary is a bit below my expectation. (insert here the reason why you think you deserve more and/or what the market currently shows as the salary range)."
You could either pause here and wait for a response or end with...
"what are your thoughts on next steps?"
Put the ball in their court - you'll either hear a no and their reason why, or hopefully they will say they will review and get back to you. Your preparation will be knowing the market value and what resources you have to back it up...and of course being able to list your accolades and what you will bring to their team.
Good luck!
Barb HansenAugust 5,2022 at 10:27PM UTC
The Anonymous suggestion immediately below my comment is excellent.
I'll add that you can negotiate for more than annual salary.
If their top salary ceiling is below your compensation floor, you can negotiate for:
-a quarterly or annual bonus (based on your or your team's performance)
-more stock (if the company is publicly traded or is expected to have an exit in the future)
-additional vacation time (this is not money in the bank but it does reduce the number of hours you work)
-an education stipend (if that's important to you)
Good luck!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 5,2022 at 11:29PM UTC
First off, it would be helpful to know what conversations you have already had with the recruiter around compensation during the interview process because you should have had at least one conversation about comp - if not more.
Was this offer lower than what you had told them you were looking for?
"I am really excited to receive this offer but the compensation is lower than I was hoping for/than we spoke about - is there any wiggle room here (or phrase it is there any room for negotiation here).
Sometimes there is, sometimes there isn't. Some companies put their best offer out there right off the bat, some companies low ball candidates. How much you push back on this depends on how much you want the job and if you're willing to walk away.
Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!
Balanced990262August 6,2022 at 1:33AM UTC
That’s perfect! Thank you!