Getting a job offer feels amazing, especially if your job search has been a long one or you can’t wait any longer to escape from a toxic workplace. Let’s say the terms of your offer look pretty good – the company culture is great, the hours are flexible, the benefits are comprehensive – but the salary you were offered is a bit lower than what you were expecting.
Should you negotiate a higher salary, or will that possibly harm the relationship with your potential new employer?
If you’re tempted just to accept the first offer you receive, you’re not alone. According to a 2022 survey from Fidelity Investments, 58% of Americans accepted the initial offer at their current position without negotiating. However, 85% of Americans who did counter on an offer got at least some of what they asked for.
We reached out to Lori Cole, Certified Career Coach and Advisor at iHire, for salary negotiation tips that won’t derail your job search.
How to Negotiate Salary Without Losing a Job Offer
“First, understand that companies expect you to negotiate. If you’re respectful, realistic, and strategic when negotiating salary, there is little risk that you’ll lose the job offer entirely,” said Cole. “When considering how to negotiate a higher salary, keep these basics in mind: be specific, be timely, and always come from a place of gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.”
Before you even begin applying for jobs, do your research to arrive at a salary range that aligns with your experience and what the market will bear. By coming to the table with data, you’ll be more successful in your negotiations. Plus, with a target salary in mind ahead of time, you’ll be able to quickly respond to offers and not waste anyone’s time in the hiring process.
“Another good reason to negotiate salary is that it gives you a chance to show off your negotiation skills, which are valuable in many types of positions. On the other hand, if the employer immediately scoffs at your attempt to negotiate a higher salary, that’s a red flag you should pay attention to.” Cole added.
Salary Negotiation Mistakes to Avoid
While employers are anticipating that you’ll negotiate salary, there are mistakes that could cost you.
“Be mindful of your tone. If you come across as entitled, demanding, or adversarial, the employer may reject your counteroffer, or worse, rescind their original offer and move on to someone else,” warned Cole. “Also, don’t ask for more than a few days to think things over. Hiring managers have to move quickly in this job market to secure the right talent, and they may not wait for you if their second choice is pretty solid.”
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Other salary negotiation mistakes that could cost you include:
- Asking for an unrealistic salary that shows you haven’t done your research
- Citing personal reasons for wanting more money
- Trying to make several counteroffers
- Not communicating your expectations clearly
- Ignoring other aspects of the offer beyond compensation
So, can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Technically yes, though it’s highly unlikely if you do it right. One thing is for certain: you won’t get what you want if you don’t ask for it! Explore our library for even more salary negotiation tips to earn what you’re worth, or sign up for our Salary Negotiation Masterclass!
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FAQs
“First, understand that companies expect you to negotiate. If you're respectful, realistic, and strategic when negotiating salary, there is little risk that you'll lose the job offer entirely,” said Cole.
Is it risky to negotiate a job offer? ›
While you can potentially lose a job by negotiating a salary the wrong way, you will never know if you could get a higher salary if you don't ask. The key is to use the right strategies, such as providing logical reasons why you deserve more and avoiding emotion-driven cases.
How do you respond to a job offer negotiating salary sample? ›
"I'm very excited about the position and know that I'd be the right fit for the team. I'm also excited about your offer, and knowing that I'll bring a lot of value to the table based on my experience that we discussed during the interviews, I'm wondering if we can explore a slightly higher starting salary of $80,000.
Can you accept a job offer and then negotiate salary? ›
Securing a job offer is undeniably a significant achievement, but the journey doesn't end there. Many job seekers often wonder if they can negotiate—or renegotiate—their salary after accepting an offer. The short answer is yes, it's possible, but there are crucial factors to consider.
How common is it to have a job offer rescinded? ›
Rescinding a job offer may not be very common, but when the need arises, employers should consult counsel. To avoid rescinding job offers, employers should hire for positions they need with up-to-date and legally compliant job postings.
Can I lose a job offer for negotiating salary? ›
So, can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Technically yes, though it's highly unlikely if you do it right. One thing is for certain: you won't get what you want if you don't ask for it!
When should you not negotiate a salary offer? ›
If you've done your homework, and you know that the salary being offered is right in line with your industry, your experience, and your geography, don't negotiate just for the heck of it. If you've got no justification for your request for more, think long and hard before you push for more.
What is the best answer for salary negotiation? ›
How To Answer The Salary Expectation Question?
- Research the average salary. ...
- Consider your existing pay. ...
- Consider perks and benefits. ...
- 4. Make adjustments for cost of living. ...
- Ask for additional details (optional) ...
- Ask for more time (optional) ...
- Provide a range. ...
- Justify your salary expectation.
How to Negotiate a Salary Counter Offer
- Pause before responding.
- Ask a follow-up question.
- Turn the salary expectation question around.
- Get the salary range.
- Conduct comparative salary research.
- Prepare an organized argument.
- Ask for a 10-to-20-percent bump.
- Look for non-salary levers to pull.
Whether you're planning to negotiate salary by email or write a salary increase letter, make sure to:
- Be polite but straightforward.
- Be upfront about your expectations.
- Back up your expectations with relevant average salary data and examples.
- Be open to further negotiations, but know your limits.
Just as experts often advise job candidates to never accept an employer's first offer for a salary, an employer may counter your desired salary with a new number. You can choose to accept the employer's counter offer or negotiate further.
Is it too late to negotiate salary after accepting an offer? ›
But what happens if you go ahead and accept a job offer, then decide you really need more money in order to make it worth your while? While it's technically possible to try and renegotiate your salary after accepting a job offer, it's certainly not preferable by any stretch of the imagination.
How to respond to a low salary offer? ›
How to respond to a low salary offer
- Ask for time. ...
- Understand your minimum acceptable salary. ...
- Conduct research. ...
- Make a plan. ...
- Practice negotiations. ...
- Show enthusiasm. ...
- Negotiate for early performance reviews. ...
- Focus on your skills and expertise.
If you accepted a job offer and the employer rescinded it (took it back) before you started work, you might have legal claims for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, or even fraud. However, you should carefully consider your options before filing a lawsuit.
Is it unprofessional to rescind a job offer? ›
Although potential employees might not like to hear that the offer has been rescinded, they would still understand that there has been a valid reason for the withdrawal of an employment offer. On the other hand, not providing valid reasons for rescinding a job offer to a potential candidate is unprofessional.
How often do companies rescind offers for negotiating? ›
Rescinding a job offer is extremely rare, but it happens. In my 13 years of experience as a recruiter, I've only done it three times. The biggest reason was that the candidates' negotiation styles were egregious and not aligned with the employer's company culture.
Is a 20% counter offer too much? ›
Scenario One: Offer Is at or Above Your Minimum
You want to give the employer an opportunity to make a higher offer without pushing too hard. The rule of thumb when you negotiate salary with a counteroffer is between 10% and 20% of the offer amount.
Do employers expect you to negotiate? ›
What is this? But you should know that in almost every case, the company expects you to negotiate and it's in your best interest to give it a shot. In fact, a study by Salary.com found 84% of employers expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage.
How much can you negotiate on a job offer? ›
Consider a range between 5-7% above.
But, remember, the negotiations should be a collaborative effort. One where both parties come together to compromise on one another's necessities. State your case clearly, and communicate to your potential employers why hiring you at your offered figure will be worthwhile.
Is it bad to negotiate a job offer via email? ›
Luckily, you don't have to settle. Before you accept the offer, you can negotiate the salary. And you can do so over email— yes, email!
