Getting a job offer feels amazing, especially if your job search has been a long one or you can’t wait any longer to escape from a toxic workplace. Let’s say the terms of your offer look pretty good – the company culture is great, the hours are flexible, the benefits are comprehensive – but the salary you were offered is a bit lower than what you were expecting.
Should you negotiate a higher salary, or will that possibly harm the relationship with your potential new employer?
If you’re tempted just to accept the first offer you receive, you’re not alone. According to a 2022 survey from Fidelity Investments, 58% of Americans accepted the initial offer at their current position without negotiating. However, 85% of Americans who did counter on an offer got at least some of what they asked for.
We reached out to Lori Cole, Certified Career Coach and Advisor at iHire, for salary negotiation tips that won’t derail your job search.
How to Negotiate Salary Without Losing a Job Offer
“First, understand that companies expect you to negotiate. If you’re respectful, realistic, and strategic when negotiating salary, there is little risk that you’ll lose the job offer entirely,” said Cole. “When considering how to negotiate a higher salary, keep these basics in mind: be specific, be timely, and always come from a place of gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.”
Before you even begin applying for jobs, do your research to arrive at a salary range that aligns with your experience and what the market will bear. By coming to the table with data, you’ll be more successful in your negotiations. Plus, with a target salary in mind ahead of time, you’ll be able to quickly respond to offers and not waste anyone’s time in the hiring process.
“Another good reason to negotiate salary is that it gives you a chance to show off your negotiation skills, which are valuable in many types of positions. On the other hand, if the employer immediately scoffs at your attempt to negotiate a higher salary, that’s a red flag you should pay attention to.” Cole added.
Salary Negotiation Mistakes to Avoid
While employers are anticipating that you’ll negotiate salary, there are mistakes that could cost you.
“Be mindful of your tone. If you come across as entitled, demanding, or adversarial, the employer may reject your counteroffer, or worse, rescind their original offer and move on to someone else,” warned Cole. “Also, don’t ask for more than a few days to think things over. Hiring managers have to move quickly in this job market to secure the right talent, and they may not wait for you if their second choice is pretty solid.”
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Other salary negotiation mistakes that could cost you include:
- Asking for an unrealistic salary that shows you haven’t done your research
- Citing personal reasons for wanting more money
- Trying to make several counteroffers
- Not communicating your expectations clearly
- Ignoring other aspects of the offer beyond compensation
So, can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Technically yes, though it’s highly unlikely if you do it right. One thing is for certain: you won’t get what you want if you don’t ask for it! Explore our library for even more salary negotiation tips to earn what you’re worth, or sign up for our Salary Negotiation Masterclass!
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FAQs
So, can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Technically yes, though it's highly unlikely if you do it right. One thing is for certain: you won't get what you want if you don't ask for it!
Is it risky to negotiate a job offer? ›
While you can potentially lose a job by negotiating a salary the wrong way, you will never know if you could get a higher salary if you don't ask. The key is to use the right strategies, such as providing logical reasons why you deserve more and avoiding emotion-driven cases.
How do you respond to a job offer negotiating salary sample? ›
"I'm very excited about the position and know that I'd be the right fit for the team. I'm also excited about your offer, and knowing that I'll bring a lot of value to the table based on my experience that we discussed during the interviews, I'm wondering if we can explore a slightly higher starting salary of $80,000.
Can you accept a job offer and then negotiate salary? ›
Securing a job offer is undeniably a significant achievement, but the journey doesn't end there. Many job seekers often wonder if they can negotiate—or renegotiate—their salary after accepting an offer. The short answer is yes, it's possible, but there are crucial factors to consider.
How much over a job offer can you negotiate? ›
Strive for agreement and harmony in your negotiation and that you appreciate their offer and that you are negotiating to benefit both the company and you. Overall, we recommend that you start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above the initial salary.
Can I lose a job offer for negotiating salary? ›
So, can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Technically yes, though it's highly unlikely if you do it right. One thing is for certain: you won't get what you want if you don't ask for it!
When should you not negotiate a salary offer? ›
If you've done your homework, and you know that the salary being offered is right in line with your industry, your experience, and your geography, don't negotiate just for the heck of it. If you've got no justification for your request for more, think long and hard before you push for more.
What is the best answer for salary negotiation? ›
How To Answer The Salary Expectation Question?
- Research the average salary. ...
- Consider your existing pay. ...
- Consider perks and benefits. ...
- 4. Make adjustments for cost of living. ...
- Ask for additional details (optional) ...
- Ask for more time (optional) ...
- Provide a range. ...
- Justify your salary expectation.
How to Negotiate a Salary Counter Offer
- Pause before responding.
- Ask a follow-up question.
- Turn the salary expectation question around.
- Get the salary range.
- Conduct comparative salary research.
- Prepare an organized argument.
- Ask for a 10-to-20-percent bump.
- Look for non-salary levers to pull.
Most salary negotiations are successful, but some fail. Don't lose hope if the company rejects your salary negotiation and you still have to take the job. Be gracious in your reply while mentioning that the compensation was below expectations. Suggest compensation in other areas or future renegotiation opportunities.
Feel free to adjust it to your liking: “Thank you so much for the offer. I'm really excited about the company and the role. I want to be upfront with you that the salary is lower than I was expecting based on my skills and experience.
Should I accept the first salary offer? ›
Just as experts often advise job candidates to never accept an employer's first offer for a salary, an employer may counter your desired salary with a new number. You can choose to accept the employer's counter offer or negotiate further.
How do you politely ask to negotiate salary? ›
Lead with gratitude
Be sure to share specific reasons why you're excited about the job, such as the culture or the product. Be courteous and cautious when requesting additional compensation with the company. You never want to come across as entitled or offend them with a salary far above what they initially offered.
Does HR expect you to negotiate salary? ›
What is this? But you should know that in almost every case, the company expects you to negotiate and it's in your best interest to give it a shot. In fact, a study by Salary.com found 84% of employers expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage.
Is a 20% counter offer too much? ›
Scenario One: Offer Is at or Above Your Minimum
You want to give the employer an opportunity to make a higher offer without pushing too hard. The rule of thumb when you negotiate salary with a counteroffer is between 10% and 20% of the offer amount.
How much can you realistically negotiate salary? ›
Entry-level base salaries are usually subject to no more than 10 percent of the original salary offered. Note that many top employers have set, non-negotiable salaries at this level. Mid-level positions typically have a negotiation range of between 10 and 20 percent.
Do employers expect you to negotiate? ›
What is this? But you should know that in almost every case, the company expects you to negotiate and it's in your best interest to give it a shot. In fact, a study by Salary.com found 84% of employers expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage.
Is it bad to negotiate a job offer via email? ›
Luckily, you don't have to settle. Before you accept the offer, you can negotiate the salary. And you can do so over email— yes, email!
Should I accept the first job offer or negotiate? ›
Counters. Just as experts often advise job candidates to never accept an employer's first offer for a salary, an employer may counter your desired salary with a new number. You can choose to accept the employer's counter offer or negotiate further.
