How can you leverage your network and references to support your counteroffer?

1 Identify your value proposition

Before you make a counteroffer, you need to have a clear idea of what value you can bring to the employer and why you're worth more than the initial offer. Think about your skills, experience, achievements, and potential impact on the organization. How do they align with the employer's goals, needs, and challenges? How do they set you apart from other candidates? How can you quantify and demonstrate your value with concrete examples and evidence?

3 Choose your references wisely

Your references can also play a key role in backing up your counteroffer and boosting your credibility. You should choose people who know you well, can speak highly of your work and achievements, and can highlight your value proposition. You should also prepare them for the reference check by sharing your resume, the job description, and your counteroffer rationale. You should also thank them for their support and keep them updated on the outcome.

4 Communicate confidently and respectfully

When you present your counteroffer, you should communicate confidently and respectfully, using your network and references as evidence of your value and worth. You should emphasize how you can help the employer achieve their goals and solve their problems, and how your network and references can attest to that. You should also acknowledge the employer's offer and express your enthusiasm and interest in the job. You should avoid making ultimatums, exaggerating your claims, or being confrontational.

5 Be flexible and realistic

While you should aim high and ask for what you deserve, you should also be flexible and realistic when negotiating your salary. You should be prepared to compromise and consider other aspects of the compensation package, such as benefits, bonuses, equity, or perks. You should also research the market rate and the employer's budget and constraints, and adjust your expectations accordingly. You should also know your walk-away point and be ready to decline the offer if it doesn't meet your minimum requirements.

6 Follow up and confirm

After you make your counteroffer, you should follow up and confirm the details of the agreement with the employer. You should send a thank-you note, reiterate your interest and value proposition, and ask for a written confirmation of the offer. You should also review the offer letter carefully and make sure it reflects what you agreed on. You should also inform your network and references of the outcome and thank them again for their help.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?