Salary negotiation- cheeky?

[Asking2Much]

Appreciate this is v much a ‘luxury’ problem…

I’ve been offered a new job at a slightly lower profile company than where I currently work. Job is in 60-80k bracket, it’s professional services and I have 20 years of the ‘perfect’ experience for this new role. Company have fast tracked my application (via a recruiter) and really want me on board - so far so good

My question: The offer has come in at slightly over what they originally budgeted, and is 2% more than my current package. I’d ideally want it to be a few £k more, to take me to 5% to make the jump, AND for them to pay for the bonus I won’t get this year (around 5k)

Would this be reasonable to ask for or cheeky?

Last couple of job offers I got a few £k extra, and the one time I asked for it (10 years ago!) I also got the bonus reimbursement

My hesitation this time is that they’ve already come up vs the advertised range (by 5k). On the other hand, it’s a lot of responsibility, less room for progression/advance than my current job, and they REALLY need someone (I’m their top candidate by a long shot)

Any thoughts? Cheeky to ask for more/wod this annoy you as HR or hiring manager, or totally expected?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts?

PS - my reason for move: work more interesting to me/suits my skills. I would accept the package offered

Absolutely reasonable to ask. Especially the buy out of lost bonus. You have nothing to lose.

Thanks @butterflyfox: I will ask for the bonus & another 3k

Absolutely go for it!!! And please report back to us if you get it. I am strongly of the opinion if you don't ask, you don't get and to be honest, over the whole year, the difference in salary is nominal.

Also ask about pension to get it as high as possible

Worse case, they say no- or offer a pay rate in between the 2 figures.

I did similar recently. I had to show previous payslips, showing I'd earned significantly more than their offer- for several years. The whole progress too longer, but was worth asking in the end.

Thanks @Unreasonabubble, @Solasum, & @Hairyfriend

Pension (& holidays) will be a set amount, as will bonus for the future

I think salary & a signing bonus to cover lost bonus are the factors I can play with - will speak to recruiter in the morning

Totally reasonable.

In my experience of hiring, sign on bonuses are really easy to manage as they’re one off payments that are often paid out of discretionary rather than staffing budgets. (Obvs this varies company to company).

No company is going to be annoyed to be asked

@PegasusReturns: thanks for this, helpful to know

This company have really expedited the process (eg after each of the 3 interviews I’ve been asked to next stage within a few hours) and I know from recruiter that they have not progressed other candidates , so my position is strong

My concern is being seen as arrogant/too pushy or demanding on salary but seems that’s not the case …

@Asking2Much I had a conversation with a male friend many years ago now that has stayed with me. He has always been sure to make sure his employers know his worth, and so has regularly asked for More Money, both on joining firms and while with them. And every single time he has got it. It was a revelation to me, as I thought a salary was just that, but actually it is an offer. Don’t do yourself down.

Thanks all. I asked for my full bonus from 2021 to be reimbursed, and for 3k on top

Recruiter wasn’t horrified so hopefully it will be a go

I will report back when I have news, thanks for the encouragement all

Good for asking.

There’s plenty of evidence that men are better at evaluating their worth and asking for what they want.

Anecdotally all the men I manage are very quick to make request where most of the women are very apologetic. It’s really helped me in position my own requests over the years.

Thanks @PegasusReturns: my request takes my package + 5% of what I earn now, which given inflation (and that I’m due probably +2% inflation at end of year in my new role) is peanuts really…

I’m hoping they have budget for that and the bonus reimbursement

I suppose the hesitation is that the more your ask for the more they expect/can I deliver it, but doesn’t seem to stop men!

Ask ask ask
Can’t wait to hear back OP!
The more we ask the more normalised it becomes

Also the wrist they can say is no - take it or leave it.
They’re not going to drop you and go with some other candidate

The promised update: after request went in yesterday morning, they came back at noon today

• yes to the small increment in base salary
• 70% of the bonus payment

I’m keen to move so have accepted- and v glad I asked. Thanks for supporting

Well done and thank you for updating us OP. Best of luck in your new job.

That's a great result, OP!

Well done.