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Negotiating a salary?

23 replies

Pomsky · 10/05/2023 20:38

I received a fairly generous offer today for a job I interviewed for a couple of weeks ago. Should you always negotiate on the first offer? And if so how do you go about it?

I've never negotiated an offer before, have always accepted the first offer if I wanted the role, so I'm not sure how to go about it. Any advice appreciated!

OP posts:
Pomsky · 10/05/2023 21:13

Anyone?

OP posts:
Trisolaris · 10/05/2023 21:23

Did you have a figure in mind yourself for the role? You’ve said the offer is generous so are you just wanting to negotiate because you feel you should rather than because you want to?

Do you have details of the full package e.g pension, holiday so you can understand how it compares to your current role? Do you know what their salary budget is for the role? (E.g whether they have offered you lower in the scale or upper end)

I think if you give a few more details you will get more useful responses

Pomsky · 10/05/2023 21:33

Trisolaris · 10/05/2023 21:23

Did you have a figure in mind yourself for the role? You’ve said the offer is generous so are you just wanting to negotiate because you feel you should rather than because you want to?

Do you have details of the full package e.g pension, holiday so you can understand how it compares to your current role? Do you know what their salary budget is for the role? (E.g whether they have offered you lower in the scale or upper end)

I think if you give a few more details you will get more useful responses

The offer is higher than I expected. I have the holiday details, pension, bonus etc and the offer compares very favourably to my current package. I don't know their salary budget though so not sure where the offer is within that.

I would be happy to accept the current offer but I'm not sure if the candidate is 'expected' to negotiate for a management role.

OP posts:

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lionsleepstonight · 10/05/2023 21:35

I think it depends on the role. Where I work some roles are a fixed rate and no negotiation would be entertained. This is more entry level. The further up the ladder we have the ability to be more flexible.

Pomsky · 10/05/2023 21:38

lionsleepstonight · 10/05/2023 21:35

I think it depends on the role. Where I work some roles are a fixed rate and no negotiation would be entertained. This is more entry level. The further up the ladder we have the ability to be more flexible.

This is a mid-senior management position

OP posts:
LuckOfTheDrawer · 10/05/2023 21:42

Well, you can negotiate on more than salary - for example, additional annual leave, or number of days working from home etc.

I'd lean towards asking for a bit more something; it's good to know your worth.

lionsleepstonight · 10/05/2023 21:42

Mid senior we'd have a range. But a new employee wouldn't know that.

Is the offer a decent increase on your current package?

Is it a private company or a public one?

Did you use a recruitment agency? Sometimes they know the range.

Trisolaris · 10/05/2023 21:44

I wouldn’t ‘expect’ a candidate to negotiate for a management role although I wouldn’t be surprised by it either. If it’s a competitive package compared to the industry then I would expect them to be well aware of that fact and less likely to negotiate.

As a candidate, when I negotiate it’s based on what increase I need to be prepared to give up my continuous service, make any additional travel/responsibilities worth it and stop pursuing other opportunities. If it’s a high enough offer to do that then I would accept.

Trisolaris · 10/05/2023 21:47

And I should add, consider that you might not be eligible for any pay rise/bonus for the next year so also, will I be happy still making this for 12-18 months?

SoonToBeinSpotlight · 10/05/2023 21:55

Please please negotiate! Assuming you are a woman, all the research shows far greater proportion of men automatically negotiate every salary offer/ promotion/ step, while very few women do. It is one of the factors that leads to a pay gap! (Not denying all the other discriminatory factors of course!)

That doesn't mean you need to burn your bridges or get all fierce of course. And if you are nervous you can do it by email... some basic suggested phrases you might want to use:

"Thank you for your offer. Based on my experience level and the responsibility level of the position, I was expecting higher. What flexibility do you have?" Or

"I'm wondering what your range is, because I would be happier with a bit more" or, "How much could you increase that by, and still go home happy?" (This normally draws a smile and is a good way to make it feel collaborative.

If you are doing it in person, then Don't spend ages justifying or fill the awkward silence. Doing that helps them mentally prepare their own justification / make it easier for them to say no. Just ask the question then give the silence. Pressure is on them.

If they do say no, then ask "where do you have flexibility?"
Pause again. This might bring offers around other terms...

If they say they don't, then accept graciously, say "well I understand for now you seem to be working within strict constraints, and I'm passionate about the role and excited about joining, so I accept your proposal. I would like to ask, though, for a review after six months."

Something like that might get you something, but is unlikely to piss anyone off! More likely to build your status if anything as a straight talker with healthy assertiveness.
Good luck!

Pomsky · 10/05/2023 22:37

lionsleepstonight · 10/05/2023 21:42

Mid senior we'd have a range. But a new employee wouldn't know that.

Is the offer a decent increase on your current package?

Is it a private company or a public one?

Did you use a recruitment agency? Sometimes they know the range.

It's a good increase on my current package. I applied direct so no recruiter to ask for advice unfortunately.

It is currently a private company.

OP posts:
Pomsky · 10/05/2023 22:38

SoonToBeinSpotlight · 10/05/2023 21:55

Please please negotiate! Assuming you are a woman, all the research shows far greater proportion of men automatically negotiate every salary offer/ promotion/ step, while very few women do. It is one of the factors that leads to a pay gap! (Not denying all the other discriminatory factors of course!)

That doesn't mean you need to burn your bridges or get all fierce of course. And if you are nervous you can do it by email... some basic suggested phrases you might want to use:

"Thank you for your offer. Based on my experience level and the responsibility level of the position, I was expecting higher. What flexibility do you have?" Or

"I'm wondering what your range is, because I would be happier with a bit more" or, "How much could you increase that by, and still go home happy?" (This normally draws a smile and is a good way to make it feel collaborative.

If you are doing it in person, then Don't spend ages justifying or fill the awkward silence. Doing that helps them mentally prepare their own justification / make it easier for them to say no. Just ask the question then give the silence. Pressure is on them.

If they do say no, then ask "where do you have flexibility?"
Pause again. This might bring offers around other terms...

If they say they don't, then accept graciously, say "well I understand for now you seem to be working within strict constraints, and I'm passionate about the role and excited about joining, so I accept your proposal. I would like to ask, though, for a review after six months."

Something like that might get you something, but is unlikely to piss anyone off! More likely to build your status if anything as a straight talker with healthy assertiveness.
Good luck!

This is so helpful, thank you!

OP posts:
Soapyspuds · 10/05/2023 22:39

You applied direct. So what did the salary on the advert state?

Soapyspuds · 10/05/2023 22:42

well I understand for now you seem to be working within strict constraints, and I'm passionate about the role and excited about joining, so I accept your proposal. I would like to ask, though, for a review after six months

IF the OP were to underperform. Would you expect the company to reduce the salary accordingly at the 6 month review?

Pomsky · 11/05/2023 07:41

Soapyspuds · 10/05/2023 22:39

You applied direct. So what did the salary on the advert state?

It stated "Salary: competitive"

OP posts:
DRS1970 · 11/05/2023 07:44

In my experience if you ask more the employer will higher their expectations.

Wallywobbles · 11/05/2023 10:53

I would always expect to negotiate. In our company there would be room to negotiate upwards by about 10% on the original offer.

Bust to negotiate at the end of the week (Thursday so they can make a decision and get it over with by EOW > Friday).

Say I really hope we can make this work. I'm looking for x. (You should be ready to accept x). And you should be happy with x.

Remember if you start the job and discover you're being paid 10% less than everyone else you will be pissed off. And you will always be viewed as the cheap option.

Companies will pay for quality and you want to viewed as quality not cheap.

Wallywobbles · 11/05/2023 10:54

Bust = best

Soapyspuds · 11/05/2023 21:28

It stated Salary: competitive

Usually that means the salary is mid to low range so you have done well. If you are minded to negotiate I would ask for 10% more but accept whatever they increase it to.

Pomsky · 12/05/2023 16:53

Update: I asked for 10% more and they agreed Smile

OP posts:
LuckOfTheDrawer · 12/05/2023 16:58

Yes! Well done 🙂.

Labraradabrador · 12/05/2023 16:58

Pomsky · 12/05/2023 16:53

Update: I asked for 10% more and they agreed Smile

congrats - well done!

SoonToBeinSpotlight · 16/05/2023 17:57

Pomsky · 12/05/2023 16:53

Update: I asked for 10% more and they agreed Smile

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for you! StarStarStar

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