How to Negotiate Salary After Job Offer

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By knowball
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It is important to be able to negotiate salary ofter job offer in order to maximize your salary potential.

During the current economic recession, it is hard enough to get a job offer. You might feel that it is not appropriate to negotiate salary after job offer when you are so lucky to have the job offer in the first place. While this is sometimes true, there are many instances where negotiating salary after a job offer is not only allowed, but even advised.

Read the steps below for tips on negotiating salary after your job offer.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

** Don't tell your current salary **

During job interviews you will often be asked what you current salary is. Try to avoid answering the question as best as you can. If you have to answer this question, try to be vague and not give exact numbers. You want to try to get the company making the job offer be the first one to quote numbers. This will give you the upper hand.
Step 2

** Feel out if there is room for negotiation **

Try to feel out if the job offer you are given is set in stone or if there is room to negotiate. If the job offer is from a large company with many people doing the same or similar task, chances are low of negotiating salary successfully after the job offer. If you have unique qualifications, your changes of negotiating a better salary are much more likely.
Step 3

** Ask for bonuses instead of salary **

Negotiating salary itself can be difficult. Sometimes companies will more easily give you bonuses than increases in salary. You can ask for a sign on bonus, travel expenses, stock options, etc. in place of an actual increase in salary.
Step 4

** Compare against another job offer **

If you have another job offer, this is a great way to negotiate salary after a job offer. Play the two job offers against each other to get them to increase their salary and/or their terms. Without getting into exact numbers, you can tell one company that you have another job offer that is offering approximately X amount more which is making you consider the other company even though you really like this job opportunity better.
Step 5

** Don't say you will walk out unless you actually will **

Do not tell the company offering you a job that you don't need the job or that you will leave if you don't get what you want unless you really plan on sticking to your words. The company might say good bye to you leaving you empty handed, so be sure to not do anything too risky.
Step 6

** Compare against salary surveys **

Another way to negotiate salary after an offer is to look up salary surveys and tell the offering companies that you have researched jobs in the field and found that the salary they are offering is rather low. Note: Make sure the salary surveys you use are up to date to reflect economic conditions.
Step 7

** Don't make it just about salary **

Don't make out like you only want the job for the money. While you are negotiating salary, ask questions about what projects you will be starting on. Ask detailed questions that show your interest and give good ideas about the projects you will be working on to show how qualified you are. Make the company feel they NEED you - this will give you more negotiating power.
Step 8

** Ask to renegotiate salary earlier **

If you see that you are not able to raise your salary now, ask the company to reevaluate your salary in a few months. Once you are working for them, the company might see you as very valuable and be willing to increase your salary at that point. Note: It is better to negotiate salary before starting and signing a contract, but leave room for increase in salary later by asking that salary be renegotiated just a few months after starting.

Comments

ramblin62 said

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on 10/16/2009 Some great ideas for how to negotiate salary after job offer. So many people still have no idea they can do this, so thanks for putting this out there.