Job offer from a US based company

[WhatdidIdoyesterday]

I've been offered a new role at a US led company which is expanding internationally and setting up a new team in the UK. It offers growth opportunities and interesting work. But its the same salary I'm on already and with fewer overall benefits. I haven't got a good feel.for the culture and expectations and the interview process has been really quick, rushed almost, so I am not sure how hard to negotiate on the package available. My current role has a car allownce, pension top up, private health cover, life assurance, travel insurance and dental insurance. The offer letter doesn't say anything other than the basic salary and a 3% employer pension which is the statutory minimum.

Would it be considered rude to go back to them and ask them to match my other benefits? I assumed a US company would offer everyone healthcare due to the US system but if its not in the offer letter presumably I can't rely on that. What is the cultural norm when negotiating with a US based HR team?

The holiday allowance was fine, it was the basic salary and pension but no other benefits which I was surprised by and not worth my while accepting the job if its not included or not offered as a cash alternative

Noone asked my current salary during the interview process and it didn't seem appropriate to offer it up without them asking, which I'm now slightly regretting. They've offered the bottom end of the range that was advertised on the job posting so I've replied asking for a better offer based on my experience and current total package. Hopefully they'll take it on board in the right way.

Update: no response from HR to my email, not even an acknowledgement.

I hoped they would respond quickly seeing as the interview process was so fast and the offer will expire by the end of the week. Now I'm slightly worried I've offended them!

If your senses about culture etc weren't good - trust them.

I've worked for 3 US companies and vowed not to again - long hours culture and value presenteeism / alpha male behaviours above all else.

Work IS your family for many US corporates.

Oh- and the pretend perma positivity drives me mad .

If you've offended them by asking to be paid what you're worth, you don't want to work for them. It's not personal, it's business!

I have worked in multinationals including American companies for nearly thirty years. However, as I am in the UK, my package has always been constructed based on typical UK employers, I really think you are reading too much into it being an American company, for example by expecting healthcare!

It sounds like a pretty poor job offer and all very rushed, I don’t think I would go for this one.

This doesn't feel like it's the right job for you Op. I would keep looking

🚨 they are rushing recruitment and it's all about them, not you - the power balance is off (been there)

🚨 the lack of benefits mean you lose out financially

🚨 the location / timezone plus US work culture means your WLB will suffer (been there too!)

Don't do it!

Do not go to work for a culturally US company with the mind set that its "rude" to ask for a pay rise.

Just tell them "interesting role but regret the offer doesn't match expectations". Even moving for something which just matches your current package is pointless unless you are getting something else - eg a new and marketable experience or skill.

Joining a company is the one big negotiating position you will have both for the new job and your existing one. Moving for less money to an effective startup that could decide to then close the UK subsidiary if it doesn't take off is a gamble.

You need to make sure that including the benefits you aren't making yourself worse off but improving your position as you've no idea how their annual rewards and recognition will work in subsequent years.

Plus if you can get a higher offer, who knows your existing company may then also choose to match if they want to keep you. Don't miss this opportunity basically. Once in a role you become more trapped.

US will expect you to negotiate hard. Is this a stepping stone to something better because you'll want it to be. Unlikely to be the end of your journey.

I'd wait for the right job to come up... I worked for US- based company in the run up to the pandemic. Once it hit they refused to furlough and just made us all redundant.

They're very used to an on the spot firing culture so weren't happy that they had to follow UK employment laws. They couldn't have given any less of a shiny shit about us.

I'll never forget how awful it was to have no job in lockdown. There was nothing open, nothing to apply for, it was one of the most horrendous, stressful times of my life.

I would NEVER EVER work for a US-based company again. Seriously. Don't do it.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm still waiting for a reply but happy that I'm not going to accept a low ball offer.

I see this as a good opportunity for 3-5 years but wouldn't expect to stay there long term. I've been in my role 4 years. Its not all brilliant where I am, but its fine. A change would be welcome but not needed and I can afford to wait. But if they offer me an acceptable salary it would be interesting and a good chance to learn new skills.