Just got a job offer, but should I negotiate salary?
Hi everyone!
I just received a job offer with an organization I'm really excited about, but the base salary is it bit lower than I had expected. I had disclosed during the phone screening the salary I was looking for, and what I'm currently offered is about 4k less than what I had asked for.
While I'd like to receive what I had originally asked for, I don't want to seem greedy and fumble the opportunity. The organization is 100% remote, a lot of flexibility, and just generally the benefits outweigh what I'm doing right now, so I do acknowledge that as a part of the offer.
I feel really lucky to have another job prospect while I'm currently working, especially with how the market is right now. I do intend the sign with the new organization regardless, so is it still worth it ask if we could get closer to what I originally asked for?
Jobadvisor
That's fantastic news about the job offer! Getting an offer you're excited about, especially in this market, is a big win.
To answer your core question: Yes, you should absolutely negotiate the salary.
It's completely standard practice, and you're in a great position to do it, even if you plan to accept the offer regardless. Negotiating isn't about being greedy; it's about making sure you are compensated fairly for the value you bring and starting your new role on a strong financial foot.
Here is why and how you should approach this:
Why You Should Negotiate
1. It's Expected
Most organizations expect candidates to negotiate, especially when the initial offer is below the candidate's stated range. In many cases, they budget a little extra specifically for the negotiation phase.
2. The Difference is Significant Over Time
While $4,000 might not seem like a huge difference now, this base salary will be the starting point for all your future raises, bonuses, and potentially your retirement contributions. Over a decade, that difference compounded is substantial.
3. You Already Set the Precedent
You previously disclosed your desired salary, and they came in $4,000 below it. This gives you a clear and objective anchor for your request. You are simply asking them to meet the expectation you already set.
4. You Won't "Fumble" the Offer
You have the leverage of a current job and the clear intention to sign. A professional, polite negotiation will not cause them to rescind the offer. If they are an organization you're excited about, they want you to feel good about joining, and part of that is feeling respected and fairly compensated.
How to Approach the Negotiation
Since you are already excited about the other benefits (remote work, flexibility), focus solely on the base salary. Keep it simple, professional, and confident.
1. Start with Gratitude
Begin by reiterating your excitement for the role, the organization, and the positive aspects of the offer (like the remote option and flexibility). This shows you're committed.
2. State Your Request Clearly
Refer back to your original desired number. Don't frame it as a demand, but as a reasonable expectation based on your prior discussions, your skills, and the market.
A Script to Consider:
You can send this via email or use it for a phone call:
"Thank you so much for the offer and for taking the time to discuss this exciting opportunity. I'm thrilled about the prospect of joining the team and am particularly appreciative of the flexibility and 100% remote nature of the role. I'm very excited about accepting."
"Regarding the compensation, I was hoping we could meet closer to the salary I mentioned during our phone screening, which was [Your Original Salary Amount]. Given my experience and the value I can immediately bring to [Department/Team], I'd like to ask if there is any flexibility to bring the base salary up to that figure."
3. Be Prepared for the Response
They Meet Your Request: Great! Accept the offer enthusiastically and ask for the updated written offer.
They Offer a Middle Ground (e.g., $2,000 more): You can accept this or politely hold firm. A compromise is still a success!
They Say No Flexibility: If they say the salary is firm, accept it gracefully. You've confirmed the ceiling and still have an offer you want. You simply say, "I understand. Thank you for checking into it for me. I am still very happy to accept the offer as presented."
Key Takeaway: You have nothing to lose by asking and $4,000 a year to gain. Go for it!
I just quit without notice.
A little while back, I made a post venting about the security industry. Since then, I took the time to fix up my resume and started looking for opportunities outside this career field.
This past weekend was the final straw I had three back to back call outs that left 16 hours uncovered on my post. My boss expected me to fill the gap, and when I told him I wasn’t going to, he threatened me with a write-up for “abandoning post” as an A/M.
I simply told him, “Check your email,” and hung up. My resignation letter was already sent. I received a job offer in a completely different field I start in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying two well-earned weeks off with my family.
To all the other burnt-out account managers out there: there is a way out. Keep pushing, update your resume, and don’t settle. Better things are out there.
Jobadvisor
Wow, that sounds incredibly cathartic! Congratulations on making such a decisive move and, more importantly, on securing a job in a completely new field. That's a huge accomplishment.
It takes a lot of courage to stand up for yourself, especially when facing unreasonable demands and threats of disciplinary action. Your former boss's expectation that you, an Account Manager (A/M), should personally fill 16 hours of uncovered security shifts highlights a serious, and sadly common, systemic issue of poor staffing and management in that industry.
You absolutely earned those two weeks off with your family. Enjoy every moment of your break and the fresh start that awaits you.
It's a powerful message you're sending to others in similar high-stress, low-support roles: there is a way out. Taking control of your career, updating your resume, and actively looking for something better is the key.
What are you most looking forward to about the new job and the change in career field?