Receiving an offer from a job interview is an exciting prospect. Though, it may be disappointing when your salary is not the amount that you hoped for.
However, it can be difficult to refuse a job offer based on the salary, especially if it’s a job that you’re passionate about. So, you’re probably thinking, what’s the best thing to do in this situation?
Well, that’s why I decided to take an in-depth look at how to secure the best deal for your new job as well as how to make a professional offer.
If you’re not sure How To Counteroffer Your Salary After A Job Offer, then it’s time to find out…
What Is A Counter Offer?
A counteroffer is a negotiation that happens between a job candidate and the employer. They occur once a job offer has been made to the employee during the initial hiring process.
Before choosing to accept the job offer and making a final decision, the candidate can counteroffer the salary and request more money. The negotiations can last a few days before the employer makes a decision and reviews the offer. The point of a counteroffer is to satisfy both the potential employer and the candidate before beginning their employment.
Should You Make A Counter Offer?
If you’re feeling unhappy with the arrangements, then you can try and change your offer. However, for some potential employees, it may be a good idea to try and negotiate your salary to get the money that you think you deserve and make a counteroffer. Although, it’s not always suitable to make a counteroffer.
When Should You Make A Counter Offer?
Here are some points to think about before making a counteroffer to your hiring manager. Consider the following:
- Research into your job position and prepare how much you expect to earn before discussing this in the interview.
- Try and discuss other aspects of your contract, such as the benefits package, if you feel like you cannot ask for higher pay. There are other financial benefits that you could ask for, such as extra holidays, child care, relocation costs, or transportation costs.
- Think about whether you can contribute your skills or experience can uniquely contribute to the company and highlight this in the interview.
- Consider whether making a counteroffer is appropriate and suitable to propose. Is it worth asking for a higher salary if you are already satisfied with the contract agreements and your pay? If you also have another job offer that is better paid than this one, then you might want to re-consider negotiating.
- You should consider making a counteroffer only if you’re dedicated to the job that you applied to. Do not waste time negotiating for a better salary if you are indifferent, or negotiate in an impolite way. Make sure you show gratitude for the offer and ensure it’s expressed professionally.
Common Assumptions about Making a Counteroffer
It is easy to assume the worst when going into your job interview. You’re nervous, you’re unemployed, and you probably don’t know the interviewer either. But don’t let that stop you from trying! You’ll be surprised how many don’t act based on these assumptions…
You’ll lose the job offer
Candidates think that making a counteroffer is greedy and risky. Some candidates may feel that if they choose to negotiate, it may mean that their job offer will be taken away. It’s extremely rare that this will happen because the hiring manager is genuinely interested in you.
They don’t want what’s best for you
Candidates often think that their employer is not on their side. This is not true, and quite often, they want to make compromises and be flexible. You should also aim to do the same. They want to work with you, and it’s taken them months to choose to hire you. So do not assume that they will oppose your counteroffer just because it’s not the amount that they proposed. Some hiring managers will respect the fact you choose to negotiate.
Hiring managers will judge you
Do not assume that you have a different goal from your hiring manager. You share the same goal and want the best from your offer, just like the hiring manager does. You both hope to be satisfied in the end. Negotiations, therefore, are a welcomed process and can be very successful if done correctly. So, don’t think your employer will turn against you or treat you differently for trying to negotiate.
There is no point in even trying
Do not assume that making a counteroffer is ineffective and won’t work. Chances are your employer will consider it, and if you pitch your negotiations well, it may be easier than you think to get a substantial raise in your salary.
Remember, many candidates do not negotiate their salary because they do not know what to do and how to do it. So do your research and try to carefully execute the perfect counteroffer – but don’t undermine how easy it can be.
How To Counteroffer Your Salary After A Job Offer?
Next, I’ll give you an outline to help you counteroffer your salary. Think about these points carefully before attempting to negotiate with your employer.
Consider and Calculate
Before you begin to negotiate, make sure you calculate your minimum salary carefully. Try and prepare an ideal amount that you’d like to receive before discussing this with your employer.
Calculate how much you expect to spend in your daily life, including how much it will cost to commute to work and other living costs. Use this calculation to gauge whether a higher salary would be suitable or not. Take as much time as you need, make some notes and present your calculation to your employer.
Research
Before deciding to make a counteroffer to your employer, prepare other suggestions with evidence and research. Look into how much the average employee earns in this field. Note the amount of experience, skills, and other desirable qualities that may enhance the opportunity for you to earn more.
Then use these ideas to support your counteroffer, and refer to any points that you researched which are relevant to your negotiation.
Review
Once you have received your offer, take the time to review the amount carefully. Study the amount and think about what to say. Be polite and ask the right questions.
Refer to your minimum amount and see whether the amount in the contract satisfies you. If it does not, then express gratitude and thank the employer for the offer. Though, the best way to initially provide a counteroffer is to communicate that you have some questions about the proposed salary.
Make a Counteroffer
If you are not happy with the salary amount, you must now determine your counteroffer. You can first ask permission before asking some questions. You’ve highlighted your research, value, and experience already. Now it’s time to decide on and make a counteroffer.
Try and aim higher when you express your counteroffer; this gives you a higher chance of getting more money. The employer may object to this, yet, it’s worth attempting to negotiate further or ask them for some time to consider a new offer.
Await a Response
Depending on where you are having these formal negotiations, it may well be on the phone, during an in-person interview, or expressed in a letter. If you do not express your counteroffer in person, expect to wait between a day and three business days before hearing from your employer.
Whichever situation you find yourself in, carefully await a response from your employer and respond accordingly. Think about the possible outcomes and how you will overcome a situation with the employer. Have some responses prepared that could save you time and difficulty when negotiating further.
Negotiate
Once you’ve awaited a response and the employer makes a decision – if you’re not satisfied with this, then you should express politely and professionally why you want to negotiate further.
Whether this is based on your experience or research in the job market, you should support your negotiations with research. This is an opportunity to justify and express why you made the offer and why you’re choosing to reject it.
Practice your negotiation beforehand…
You can prepare by reciting what you’d say in the situation. Describe how your skills and knowledge in this field are well-developed and therefore deserving of a higher offer. You can also boast and promote how successful you think you’d be in the company. This is also the time to highlight any accomplishments in your career as a strategy to outline your skills and talents.
Ask for Additional Benefits
If the salary cannot be increased and your employer has finalized that, then you could attempt to request additional benefits to compensate for the lower salary. Try to find compromise and be flexible. This can be achieved by asking for additional benefits such as financial support to cover things like transportation, re-locating, or other learning expenses to boost your work opportunities.
Furthermore, you can request whether your company allows a sign-up bonus or performance review, which could enhance the possibility of you getting a higher salary long-term.
Make a Decision
If your employer changes their mind and compromises on the contract agreements by raising your salary, then this is a success!
On the other hand, if all of these suggestions do not work and you’re dissatisfied with your salary, then you might want to withdraw and walk away from the offer. However, this is the last resort, and it’s not suggested to decline an offer unless you can afford to or have another competing job offer that’s far more attractive.
Quick Tips
Take the time to think about your decision strategically and carefully
It’s not suggested to rush yourself into making a decision quickly. Your job and salary are important aspects of our lives, so securing the best offer for you is crucial.
Be polite and professional at all times
It’s best to not get emotional, be sensitive or use strategies that may make the employer feel bad or guilty. You should, however, be enthusiastic and show the employer how much this offer means to you.
Do your research and spend time preparing
As mentioned earlier, it’s worth looking into your role and the job market to evaluate the facts and figures. This will boost your ability to justify your counteroffer during the negotiation process.
Be confident
Employers respect candidates that are confident enough to negotiate and boast of their career success. Although, don’t’ be too arrogant because this can equally be off-putting. It’s also important to highlight your value and abilities to the employer, which will enhance their understanding of why to increase the salary.
Be honest
It’s essential to be 100% honest during your counteroffer negotiations. Don’t pretend that you urgently need the extra money or additional benefits which are not necessary or meaningful to you in any way. Be careful about asking for things that do not concern you. Be truthful and keep the negotiations relevant.
Practice and recite your negotiation
It’s worth taking time to practice and role-play what to say during a counteroffer. Think about the potential setbacks you might have during the confrontation with the employer and prepare how you plan to overcome them.
Calculate how much you’d need to earn to live comfortably
Taking into consideration how much you’re expected to earn may not only rest on your experience and career. Instead, think about how much it will cost to commute, relocate, and pay for daily expenses. Show these calculations to your employer, which may help justify your reasons to negotiate and ask for a higher salary.
Make a decision and stick with it
It’s not a good idea to regularly change your mind when it comes to negotiating. You should be firm and maintain your stance when it comes to having a goal in mind. If you change your mind halfway through negotiations, it may look unprofessional, so don’t do it; it may leave a bad impression on your employer.
Nail That Interview And Get Your Job Offer!
Our website prides itself on informative and in-depth career advice, such as our interview questions about how to answer What Are Your Career Goals, How Do You Handle Conflict, or How Would You Describe Yourself, as well as including How To Answer What Are You Passionate About, How Do You Handle Stress, and What Are You Most Proud Of just to name a few!
I also cover the Best Questions To Ask In An Interview to help you stand out, and How Do You Handle Stress, or perhaps you’d like to know the Strengths And Weaknesses For Job Interviews or what to say when Answering Tell Me About Yourself In Interview, and finally Why Do You Want To Work Here, and Why We Should Hire You.
Of course, you’ll never land an interview with an average resume, so I recommend reading The Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio Handbook: The Comprehensive Guide for College Students and Job Seekers, and how to create One-Page Resumes That Get Results!: An Uncomplicated and Quick Guide, along with the all-in-one DIY Résumé and Cover Letter Kit: Everything You Need to Create Your Own Professional-Quality Résume available online in 2023.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest… who truly enjoys negotiating anything? Especially when it comes to something as important as the money you’ll be living off.
Making a counteroffer can be difficult and uncomfortable for both the employer and the candidate. Though, it can be an easier experience if you prepare beforehand and know how to do it properly.
To help you make a successful counteroffer, I’ve highlighted the best ways to negotiate, what to say, and how to overcome common struggles during this situation. The bottom line is… just remember to stand your ground, be confident, and do your best.
The very best of luck with making a successful Counteroffer!
