Got Offer in the Mail now what
Today is Saturday and I have received a job offer from a company that I have recently interviewed for. Needless to say that the offer is lower (54K) than the range I requested (60K-65K). It is also lower than what I am making at my job now (58K). I am VERY unhappy at my job now, but need to know the next steps in negotiating. They are aware of my unhappiness, but at the same time I do have a job and have become accustom to my salary. I need to know the best way to negotiate. They have mentioned to me that I am pretty much a perfect fit for them and the commute to the new job will be longer than my current position. Should I mention this in my negotiating along with the standard experience, skills, etc.? I guess when I call the hiring manager, I am not sure where to start and how to negotiate. As unhappy as I am at my job now, I deserve the money that I am requesting and do not want to do another "sideways" job move. Any advice you can give is much appreciated!!
On Monday, you can call and politely ask if the offer is negotiable. You do not negotiate in any way base this on the longer commute--that isn't their problem and they probably won't appreciate your trying to make it theirs. You ask for a higher salary based on your skills, how well they fit the job, and how well you perform them. You need to make your case for why you deserve more. And, personally, I would--if it were me--point out that their offer is quite a bit less than you are currently making, and that it simply does not make sense for you to change jobs for less pay. That is an entirely reasonable point. I hope you didn't let on to them that you are miserable in your current job.... If so, you may have compromised your negotiating stance. If their offer isn't negotiable, I'd nicely thank them and turn them down--why go backwards, even if you are unhappy in your current job?
I sort of agree with Anne, it depends on the job market in your area, and how unhappy your are. Money is not everything and your sanity does have a price tag. In you interview you probably found out what challenges they are looking for you to correct. Is the company willing to back up your success in meeting these challenges with a 10% bonus at the end of one year to offset the difference? I'm facing a similar situation, but I'm also not sure if my current position will continue, so my decision may be easier than yours. As Anne stated hopefully they're not aware of your current situation and you can negotiate. Good Luck.
The next step is to politely call the person who offered $54K if their offer is negotiable and see what they say. If it's not negotiable, you may have to pass because it makes no sense to take a job for less unless you so unhappy with your present job that you're willing to take less to get out of there. If the offer is negotiable and you're asked what salary you have in mind, counter with your range by saying something like, "Based on my qualifications and how well they fit the requirements of the job, I was anticipating an offer in the $60K to $65K range," and see what happens. Don't mention the commute because how far anyone has to travel to and from work isn't the employer's problem - we all get to choose were we live. I'd also be prepared to state some specifics with regard to my relevant experience, training, skills, past job performance, and education as all of that pertains to the job. Zat help? Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert | |
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