How to Ask for More Money on a Job Offer

Being offered a new job can be the career break you've been waiting to receive. This is especially true if your employment search has been an extended ordeal. Although you may be tempted to pounce upon the first decent job offer, doing so without analyzing the terms could cost you the salary you deserve. Although asking for more money on a job offer may seem like an unthinkable move, it's an essential part of getting the most out of your career opportunities.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the details of the job offer. Read the official job description to get a thorough understanding of your daily expectations. Examine the benefits package. including any vacation allowances and health insurance allotments. This in-depth analysis helps you prepare solid counterpoints if the hiring manager brings up these perks.

2. Determine an acceptable starting salary. Compare your salary offer against industry standards, taking factors such as business location and size into consideration. Factor in formal education and job experience when determining a suitable bargaining range. Make your initial counteroffer slightly higher than your expectations to provide flexibility in the negotiations. Avoid making your initial counteroffer too high, as this can make you seem unprofessional.

3. Build a solid case for increased compensation. Demonstrate how hiring you will make a positive impact on the company. Substantiate claims of superior performance and work ethic by soliciting written recommendations from former professors, colleagues and supervisors. Compile related awards and certificates into an organized folder.

4. Contact the hiring manager as requested. Respond to the job offer within a reasonable time frame to avoid looking unorganized. Arrange a meeting at a convenient to discuss the details of the job offer. When leaving a message, explain your interest in the position but your need to discuss the fine print of the agreement. Avoid negotiating for an increased starting salary through email or voice mail interactions.

5. State your case for a higher starting salary with confidence and tact. Allow the hiring manager to ask questions and to reflect on your candid answers. Present details of offers from other companies and respective salary information. Make your initial counteroffer and pause for remarks from the hiring manager. Demonstrate your flexibility by bringing up alternate arrangements such as performance-based incremental pay increases. If a new salary isn't negotiated during the meeting, ask for additional time to consider the job offer.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to get the new salary offer in writing prior to accepting the position.

• Avoid being too demanding during the negotiations process.

References

• Salary
• CNN Money

Resources

• Salary wizard