How to Counter a Written Job Offer
When you receive a written job offer presenting the terms and the salary an employer is prepared to give you, you have three choices. You must choose between accepting the offer, rejecting the offer or creating a counteroffer with other terms you find more acceptable. If you decide to counter a written job offer, your task will involve finding mutually acceptable terms that both you and your potential employer will accept.
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Instructions
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Examine the offer you receive carefully to weigh each component. When the compensation package includes benefits and incentives aside from the salary, you must consider every part of the package to determine the whole value. For example, if the package includes benefits such as a flexible work schedule or telecommuting for half of the workweek, these benefits may make the package more attractive even if the salary is lower than you desire.
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Research the fair market value for the employment position in your geographic area. Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find information about the position. Contact colleges and universities in your geographic area and inquire about competitive salaries for your position for people with your education degree.
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Formulate the salary and benefits package you wish to counteroffer based on the offer you received and the research you conduct.
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Begin the counteroffer letter by thanking the company for the offer and expressing your eagerness to accept an offer and begin employment. Write a sentence that segues into the counteroffer such as, “Most of the terms of your offer are acceptable with only a few exceptions.”
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Use one paragraph for each point of the offer you are counter offering, giving the reasons. For example, if you are counter offering the base salary, write, “Base salary $45,000 per year. After researching the comparable salaries for this position in this region, I believe $55,000 is a fair market value based on my education and experience.”
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Include other terms that you wish to counter offer also. For example, if you wish to negotiate a longer vacation or a flexible work schedule, you might write, “Paid vacation policy -- two weeks annually. Can I add one week to my annual vacation time if I take it without pay?”
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Conclude the written counteroffer with a paragraph that expresses your willingness to negotiate the terms. For example, you might write, “I am open to discussing the terms in this counteroffer.” Express your interest in the position again and tell the prospective employer that you feel confident that you will be a strong asset to the company.
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Sign your name and send the counteroffer to the prospective employer.
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