I was offered a job at $50,000, how should I negotiate?

Question

A week after my interview I was offered the job over the phone $50,000. I was hoping for $55,000. First off, is it likely he will go up that high? Also, what number should I throw out when I call him back to negotiate, $55,000? $57,500? $60,000?

Answer 1

First of all, do they know your previous salary history? They may be basing their offer on that.

2. Usually before they make an offer, salary range is discussed. Did that happen?

3. Are you worth the extra money? Be honest with yourself about this. A "want" is not justifiable.

4. What is the range for your job in the area you live in?

5. Do they offer good benefits that offset the cost of salary increase?

You can counter offer with $60k by saying "I was looking for $60k a year" and hope they meet you in the middle at 55k. I did a similar thing a couple of years back and the counter was 3k less than my asking salary as health insurance was 100% company paid. If they counter with 52 or 53, ask for an extra week vacation.

So much depends on what type of job you are talking about, how fast the company needs you, how saturated the market is, & how good are you really.

Now is time to get as much as you can as any future increases won't match your expectations.