What's the best way to counteroffer a salary without offending your employer? (2024)

FAQs

What's the best way to counteroffer a salary without offending your employer? ›

Show a willingness to compromise

Ask for the top of your range

This way, if they negotiate down, you'll still end up with a salary offer you feel comfortable accepting. If you provide a salary range, the employer will likely err on the lower end, so be sure the lowest number you provide is still an amount you feel is fair.

Don't just state your desire (a 15% higher salary, say, or permission to work from home one day a week); explain precisely why it's justified (the reasons you deserve more money than others they may have hired, or that your children come home from school early on Fridays).

More, as in "I want more..."

While this word seems counter-intuitive because you are negotiating to get more, it's a word that is too general for a successful negotiation. Instead of asking for "more" salary or "more" vacation, this is your time to get specific.

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!

If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher. In addition to compensation data, you should research the cost of living for the area you'll be working in.

Unless the employer explicitly stipulates that their offers are nonnegotiable, that's typically a mistake. In fact, because they expect job candidates to negotiate salary, employers typically offer somewhat less than they are willing to pay.

If you're sure that you want to decline, consider saying something like this:"I appreciate the offer and your time, but I can't accept this position at the salary you're offering. If the salary range is something that can be negotiated, please let me know."

While numerous strategies and techniques can be employed during this phase, there exists one cardinal rule that stands as the bedrock of effective salary negotiation: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

Should you accept the first salary offer? ›

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.

1 Know your worth. Before you start the negotiation, do some research on the market rate for your role, skills, and experience. You can use online tools, industry reports, or network with peers to get a realistic range. This will help you set a target salary that is fair, competitive, and achievable.

Make a counter-offer:

I do have a concern regarding the starting salary, however. Based on my understanding of the market value for the position, and my skill set I would expect my compensation to be in the range of $xx to $xx. Are you open to discussing salary?”

"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.

When negotiating salary after you've received an offer, start by expressing your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for the offer. Next, present your case for a higher salary by highlighting your experience, skills or market research that supports your request.

Entry-level base salaries are usually subject to no more than 10 percent of the original salary offered. Note that many top employers have set, non-negotiable salaries at this level. Mid-level positions typically have a negotiation range of between 10 and 20 percent.

“Thank you so much for the offer. I'm really excited about the company and the role. I want to be upfront with you that the salary is lower than I was expecting based on my skills and experience. I'd like to be at a number more like $X.