Here's how you can navigate counter offers when negotiating your salary as a beginner.

Navigating counter offers during salary negotiations as a beginner requires strategic steps: Research industry standards and the company's salary range. Prepare by knowing your skills, experience, and market demand. Clearly articulate reasons for your salary request and the value you bring. Be flexible and open to discussing benefits or incentives. Maintain a positive and respectful tone throughout the negotiation. Choose the right moment to discuss counter offers, ideally after receiving a formal offer. Prioritize long-term career growth and job satisfaction. Confirm agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings and ensure accountability.

If presented with a lower-than-anticipated counter offer, refrain from displaying disappointment or frustration. Instead, view it as an opportunity to continue the conversation. Express gratitude for the offer, reiterate your interest in the role, and calmly articulate your rationale for seeking a higher salary. This approach underscores your negotiation proficiency and willingness to engage constructively.

Requesting a strategic pause is a prudent approach that demonstrates your thoughtful consideration of the negotiation. Politely ask for some time to reflect, indicating your seriousness about the process. During this pause, carefully assess the offer in comparison to your research findings and seek input from mentors or peers. This strategic pause not only allows for informed decision-making but also signals to the employer that you are a desirable candidate, potentially prompting them to enhance their offer.

The procedure for counter-offering depends on the gap between your expectations and the offer you've received. You should be clear at this point about your "desired offer" and "bottom line". Knowledge of the industry standard is also helpful and opens the door to further negotiation. If the offer received is significantly below your minimum or industry standard, it may be better to walk away from negotiations. If the offer is between or just below these two, other benefits can be brought to the table, such as the number of PTO days, reduced working hours or various allowances. And if all else fails and no agreement can be reached for the moment - but you see a lot of potential in the role - it may be worth thinking about a development plan.

Know when to walk away! You’ll not always get an offer that matches your expectations. If you can’t find an agreement, simply close the door, but always stay professional.