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Job Offer Negotiation

job offer negotiation

Landed that dream job?

Salary not quite what you expected?

Don’t fret; negotiating your salary is more common than you think and is a frequent practice in many workplaces!

A study found that 84% of those who negotiated received a higher salary. Whether you decide to write an email or a formal letter to negotiate your salary, it is essential to be polite, straightforward, and upfront about your salary expectations.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at Job Offer Negotiation to get you the salary you deserve.

the jobs offer negotiation

Why Should You Negotiate Your Salary?

Although it may seem intimidating and uncomfortable to have been offered that perfect job and already be challenging the salary offer, do it! Here’s why…

A survey found that 70% of managers expect their employees to negotiate their salary and benefits. Think about it: if you accept a starting salary 10% lower than your expectations and the US salary increase is 3% annually, which has been the same for the last ten years, it could take you over two years to recoup those earnings!

jobs offer negotiation

Sample Salary Negotiation Letter

So, let’s have a look at an example to find out how to diplomatically and politely get the salary you think you deserve:

  • Your Name
  • Your Address
  • City, State, Zipcode
  • Your Phone Number
  • Your Email
  • 04/06/20XX
  • Mr. John Smith
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Company Z
  • City, State, Zip Code
  • Dear Mr. Smith

Thank you for offering me the position of Social Media Manager for Z. I am excited and optimistic about my future with the company and feel I have a lot to offer the team. My nine years of experience in PR Marketing and my flare for social media will be a great asset.

Before I accept this offer, I would like to discuss the base salary and reiterate the unique skills and experience I mentioned in our interview. During my six years at my last company, I built up social media platforms, expanded reach and views to hundreds of thousands of new followers, and created quirky and punchy content for them.

jobs offer negotiation guide

I have researched salary data for this type of position, and I politely request you reconsider your offer of $X. The salary offered for this job is usually between $X and $X. Due to my ambitious plans, experience, and qualifications, I would be looking at a salary of between $X and $X.

Thank you once again for the job offer, I can envision a future for myself at the company, and I look forward to coming to a mutual agreement on a fair salary.

Sincerely

[your first and last name]

Job Offer Negotiation Tips

  • Address the email to the person that offered you the job
  • Show praise and thanks for getting the job
  • Include enthusiasm and excitement for the position
  • BE CONFIDENT (even if you don’t quite feel it)
  • Check out how much your job is worth and what other companies are paying.
  • Keep it clear why you are requesting a higher salary
  • Explain the reasons why you believe you are eligible for a higher salary
  • Be firm but open to further discussion and negotiation
  • Keep a polite tone throughout the email or letter

the job offer negotiation

How Do I Prove My Worth?

First of all, don’t request above and beyond your worth, but putting your argument forward clearly and straightforwardly should be able to persuade your new employer to meet your salary expectations! You might be thinking, how do I prove I am worth a higher salary?

Here’s how…

  • It is essential to research specific jobs sites such as Indeed or Payscale and check how much other companies are paying for similar job roles
  • Point out your essential experiences in your email and how your knowledge will be of higher value to the team because of XYZ
  • Reference back to your interview and why the employer wanted you to begin with
  • Sell yourself! Show yourself to be a likable person and state your achievements with pride

Be confident; after all, you got the job out of probably more than a handful of other candidates. You have been offered this job offer for a reason, and your employer may even appreciate your negotiating skills!

If Meryl Streep can do it, you can too!

Speaking about her offer for The Devil Wears Prada, she said: “The offer was in my mind slightly, if not insulting, and not perhaps reflective of the actual value I would add to the project. There was a ‘goodbye moment,’ and then they doubled the offer. Amazingly, I was 55, and had just learned, at a very late date, exactly how to deal on my own behalf.” Variety Magazine, June 2016

Why Email?

Good question! You can see why some people may believe that negotiating a job offer in person could seem more personable. However, email is an excellent way to compose yourself, gain all the best points of your argument, and clearly state what is needed to be said. After all, speaking about large sums of money to a stranger can be daunting!

The best part? You can do this from the comfort of your own home, and it gives you a record of your correspondence with the future employer, as well as giving them time to think about their response!

What Should I Put As The Subject?

Keep it simple, something like:

Job title – Name

Social Media Manager Job Offer – Name

Or

Use the same subject line the employer used in the job offer.

The Wait Is Too Long?

Be sure to give your future employer a little time before responding to your email. They, too, need time to consider the proposal and discuss it with their team before agreeing to a salary.

That’s not all… there could be a few emails of negotiating back and forth before an agreement. If your start date is near, it would be appropriate to follow up with a friendly email asking for a rough date when they will respond to your salary request.

Looking for Some Great Jobs?

Then take an in-depth look at the 20 Part Time Jobs that Pay more than 20 per Hour, the Best Jobs for College Students, the Best Paying Jobs in Energy, the 15 Part Time Jobs that Pay more than 40 per Hour, the Best Remote Jobs that Pay Well, or the Best 6 Figure Jobs you can get in 2023.

And if you happen to have a criminal record, you may be interested in the Best Part Time Jobs for Felons, the Best Jobs for Felons, or even the Best Medical Jobs for Felons.

Plus, if it’s nearly time for your next interview, then you can’t go wrong by investing in a good book such as Interview Like A Pro or the excellent Answering Tough Interview Questions For Dummies. However, the site also contains comprehensive guides on answering common interview questions such as Why Do You Want to Work Here?, Answering Tell Me About Yourself in Interview, Why We Should Hire You? or the always tricky How to Answer What is Your Greatest Strength!

Final Thoughts

Writing a salary negotiation email can be tricky. It is nerve-wracking to ask for more money, especially if it’s your first time doing so in the next career step. However, remember that old saying, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Keep it straightforward, polite, and believe in yourself.

The very best of luck with the negotiation of your job offer!

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