How to Approach Human Resources After a Lowball Job Salary Offer
A lowball offer -- far lower than what you expected or feel you're worth -- can at first feel like an end to the job search with the company. There's no need to step away from the negotiating table, however. Treat the offer as a beginning to the salary negotiation process, rather than the end. With perseverance and the right approach, you can change that lowball offer into something that's more in keeping with your expectations.
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Instructions
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Clarify the job responsibilities. Make certain you're clear on exactly what the company wants of you, and that you based your salary expectations on the actual duties required of the position. Miscommunication happens, and you may think the job is a larger one than it truly is. Find out how the company came up with the offer number.
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Speak to the HR manager who made the lowball job offer and explain your payment expectations. Tell him that for a job requiring the particular duties expected of you, you would need a salary that meets or exceeds your expectations. Ask him to reconsider the salary offer. The first offer is often purposefully low, or could be a mistake. Offer the manager an opportunity to fine-tune the offer and return with a new one within your expected range.
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Negotiate about the number of job hours expected of you for the lowball offer. If the company has offered only two-thirds of what you feel the work is worth, offer to work a 30-hour week as opposed to 40 hours for the salary offered. Assure the HR manager that you can perform the work in the shorter week for the offered salary, but only if you're positive yourself that you can meet the duties expected of the job in the shortened time.
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Suggest earnings alternatives in addition to the lowball salary offered. Try to establish a goals-based bonus offer or stock options based on results. For example, ask for a bonus based on meeting agreed-upon sales or production figures. Make sure any agreement made will bring up the total earnings to your expected salary level or above, and that you're confident you can actually meet those goals before agreeing to the new contract. Get everything signed in writing as well to ensure the company meets its end of the agreement when you succeed.
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Suggest an early review option, allowing the company to review your work a short period of time after you begin, and offer you a more reasonable salary that's closer to your expectations, provided you pass certain concrete performance goals.
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Offer to become a consultant instead of an actual employee in exchange for a higher pay. As a consultant the employer will not have to meet tax obligations or pay for benefits such as health care, lowering the costs of hiring you. The company may be willing to use the savings for your higher wages.
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