You've received a job offer that you're excited about, but the salary is lower than you expected. How can you negotiate a higher pay without risking the opportunity or upsetting the employer? In this article, we'll show you some effective strategies to counteroffer a salary without offending your employer.
Before you respond to the offer, do some research on the market value of your skills, experience, and role. You can use online tools, industry reports, or your network to find out the salary range for similar positions in your area. This will help you determine a realistic and fair counteroffer that reflects your value and expectations.
Data is helpful when understanding what the average expectation is, but I'd argue that you shouldn't blindly use data to value yourself. You do not get what's fair; you get what you negotiate. Meaning you can get much less or much more than the data would suggest. Most would prefer to be the outlier plotted above the groupings. Do not overly rely on 'the market' to determine how you will get compensated for your work. Maybe you bring something unique and time-sensitive to the table—start there and focus on the needs of the team you negotiate with first.
Know your Worth, and what kind of your experiences that would reflected additional things for new company with proven data, Do A research from related company Salary Package Range (From Colleague, Group etc). used as the baseline to start conversations, and stay polite with truth reason.
When you communicate your counteroffer, avoid sounding greedy, demanding, or confrontational. Instead, express your gratitude for the offer and your enthusiasm for the job. Explain why you deserve a higher salary based on your qualifications, achievements, and contributions. Use specific examples and data to support your case. Also, acknowledge the employer's perspective and show your willingness to compromise and find a mutually beneficial solution.
In my experience, data is the most valuable negotiation tool. Before making a counteroffer, research the industry standards for the role and location to ensure your request is reasonable. After that outline the skills, experience, and qualifications that make you an excellent fit for the position. Explain how your contributions will positively impact the company's goals and objectives.
You don't have to explain why you deserve anything. What you deserve has nothing to do with how you negotiate with others. It doesn't matter if you need more money because you have a family, had a divorce, or want an ostentatious sports car—or you just think you're worth it because you have 20 years of experience and a big degree. How does that help everyone win? However, gratitude is a key emotion to express from the get-go. The employer also needs to 'feel' like they can win the deal and get your services—to make it worth their while to negotiate with you. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and can start on X, but hesitant about..." "...is it unreasonable to make a change?" Several nuances to consider to do this well.
Depending on the situation, you may want to counteroffer a salary by email, phone, or in person. Email can give you more time to craft your message and avoid emotional reactions, but it can also lack tone and clarity. Phone or in-person conversations can allow you to build rapport, address questions, and clarify details, but they can also be more stressful and unpredictable. Choose the medium that suits your style, the employer's preference, and the urgency of the offer.
The more senior you are, the more you should prioritize negotiation in person, then phone, and then email only as a last resort. The reason is that you can understand and work with emotional queues, body language, tone, etc. As a senior leader, you should also know how to use those queues accordingly. Yes, it's helpful to write out your ideas, alternatives, counterthoughts, etc—but you don't need to rely on written communication to get your ideas across. (Specifically for senior leaders) I recommend working with a sparring partner ahead of time, perhaps a mentor or leader in your industry, or a coach for support to play devil's advocate or challenge your perspective and add more context.
Salary is not the only factor to consider when negotiating a job offer. You should also look at the benefits, perks, incentives, and opportunities that the employer offers. These can include health insurance, retirement plan, bonuses, stock options, flexible hours, remote work, training, career development, and more. Sometimes, you may be able to negotiate a better overall package by trading off some salary for other benefits that are more valuable or important to you.
There are many factors to consider, yes—but don't let the bells and whistles steer you away from what's most necessary for your lifestyle. Oftentimes you'll be pitched 'perks' that mean nothing to you or will somehow materialize into value in the future. Don't fall for the BS (especially at startups)
Before you counteroffer a salary, you should have a clear idea of your minimum acceptable salary and your best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA). Your minimum acceptable salary is the lowest amount you are willing to accept for the job, based on your needs, goals, and market value. Your BATNA is the option you have if you walk away from the offer, such as another job offer, staying at your current job, or pursuing a different career path. Having a backup plan will help you avoid settling for less than you deserve or losing the opportunity altogether.
This is a poor explanation of BATNA. Ultimately you will increase your negotiation leverage (power) if you have the ability to walk away. If NO can be your default, you can negotiate what you need with more confidence because all of your needs are already met (or will be met) through alternative means. Basically, the old adage that it's easier to negotiate when you already have a job rings true. Sometimes because you're already desirable, but I'd argue it's because you have income and don't NEED to make a change right away. When you're out of work, many assume that you need to get back to work ASAP (to pay your bills), and that perception will effect their offer (often skewing lower). Don't be desperate; instead, have options.
After you make your counteroffer, you should follow up with the employer until you reach a final agreement. You may need to go back and forth a few times to find a common ground and address any concerns or objections. Be polite, professional, and responsive throughout the process. Once you agree on the terms, ask for a written confirmation of the offer and review it carefully before signing it. Congratulations, you've successfully negotiated a salary without offending your employer!
There's no such thing as 'offending' an employer with a counteroffer assuming what you're asking for is reasonable. If they can't meet what you're asking, move on.