How to Respond to Lowball Job Offers
Job candidates who have impressed a potential employer are typically called in for a second interview. Afterward, the employer may make a job offer. Unfortunately, not all job offers are in line with what the job candidate thinks he is worth. Responding to lowball job offers requires tact. You want to convey why you feel the offer may be too low while negotiating higher pay, if possible.
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Instructions
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Ask for a day or a few days, within reason, to consider the offer. Determine whether the job offer is truly a lowball one. Compare your preferred salary with that of the current marketplace. Look at job advertisements for what other companies are willing to pay, and visit websites such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Salary.com for comparative salary information.
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Let the potential employer know that the offer is less than you expected.
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Convey to the interviewer the benefits the company would receive by hiring you.
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Ask the interviewer what potential earnings growth the company or department has. This allows you to determine if you can accept lower initial pay for the possibility of greater earnings later.
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Inquire about the position's salary range. Ask if it is comparable to the salaries of coworkers or would-be workplace peers. You want to be paid a salary that is equitable within the organization.
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Counter with a proposed salary that is within the salary range or comparable to workplace peers.
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Accept the job offer or refuse it. If you cannot agree on a salary amount, thank the interviewer for his time and let him know you would be interested in working for the organization if the salary range should change. If you decide to accept the job, do not bring up the issue of salary going forward, as you agreed to the compensation amount.
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- Photo Credit Group of business people working together in the office. image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
