I've been offered a job. How much should I counteroffer?

Question

I've just been offered a job. The salary is more than I am currently making, and I'm interested in the job. But the offer isn't as much as I was hoping for. How much should I counteroffer without asking for too much? 10, 20, 30%? Any suggestions would be helpful. I'm considering asking for a car too instead of the mileage pay they offered.

I should also mention that they asked for my resume--I wasn't actively looking for a job. During the interview I told them that I am currently making 45-50k. Their offer is $47k.

Answer 1

I would tell them that you were hoping for a higher amount and ask them if the amount is the best they can do. You can win a higher amount by asking this simple question. If the employer then asks for a specific amount, I would go at least 10% above the existing offer and see what happens. You can always ask for a performance review within 6 months and if you receive positive marks then you can earn your way into your higher asking price.

Answer 2

You can't ask for amount that isn't reasonable. Believe me employer knows the market. So I would start by doing some research.

Go to www.salary.com. Check out what average and medium salary is for your job title for your area. You can gauge how your skills and experience falls within the range to decide what is appripriate.

Information is power. If you do find that they are offering lower than the market, you have very good information to back up your counter offer.

Also keep in mind that incentive not always comes in the form of salary. You could consider negotiate for more vacations days, retirement contribution, stocks etc.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

You should expect a 10 - 15% raise over your current salary if you're doing something more skilled than your current position - however, i've taken laterals (same pay) for an opportunity in growth. You run the risk of them saying no if you counter, so only counter if you're willing to walk away. A better scenario, ask for "non salaries" an extra week vacation, health benefits to kick in sooner - they can negotiate on that easier.

If they don't do company cars, highly unlikely they'd do it for you - and, if you get a company car, you have to pay taxes on it, keep contemporaenous records on personal vs. work mileage - it may not be worth it (do the math with tax implications).

If you ask for salary + car, that's probably the kiss of death, unless you're the only qualified person they have. Better to focus on one versus the other.

Let's say they offered you 5% more than what you're making - and you're making $30,000 (they offer $31,500). Here is a viable counter proposal.

I was expecting to make $36,000, and feel that my qualifications command that salary. However, there seems to be some difference, so I'd like to propose that the salary be $33,000 and I'd get an extra week vacation. What you're asking for isn't alot, and a company doesn't feel threatened by that difference (only a few thousand more).

However, if you would be saying, I make $150,000 now, and you're offering me $155,000 - what I want is $170,000 and a company car, I'm not sure what an employer would say - depends on the industry, but you'd better darn well deliver for that premium (more likely to get canned if things don't start to shine right away).

Answer 4

I'd take it as is. Don't ask for too much or they'll find someone else... After a year, ask for what you want right now. If the offer is more than what you make now (they know what you make now, based on the application process), and you ask for even more, they're likely to laugh in your face...

Answer 5

You don't counter offer. You say you've done your research (which you should of done) and you want the fair market value.

Answer 6

Don't take less than 3.2 million.