Should i counter offer salary

Consider how much you need or want the job, market rates, other opportunities, and the current job market. More on the other possibility in a moment. Ideally, you'll have set your target salary range before the first interview, but if you haven't, there's no better time than the present. You want to have a good idea of how much you're hoping to get — and willing to take — long before you start negotiating in earnest.

Research is crucial for this. Don't make the common mistake of setting your price based on a gut feeling or financial obligations. By doing so, you could either be pricing yourself out of a job you want or selling your skills far more cheaply than necessary. Instead, research salary ranges for the exact job title and duties, as determined by the job description and what you've learned during the interview process. There are a lot of online tools that can give you a sense of what's reasonable.

For example, the salary information site PayScale. Finally, don't set the low end of your range lower than you'd like to accept. Hiring managers have a budget, and may even get bonuses for keeping costs low. They'll often offer you the lowest number they think you'll take—not because they want to low-ball you or devalue your skills, but because it's their job to stay on target, budget-wise, as well as hire good candidates. But while you can negotiate, it's possible that the employer might rescind the job offer if you do so too aggressively.

Some employers aren't thrilled with candidates who go back and forth over salary offers multiple times. Also, there may be a set salary range for the position and there may not be much room for further negotiations.

It's possible the negotiation process could leave both you and the employer feeling frustrated and disenchanted. In an ideal world, this situation won't arise because you will have gotten a sense of what the company has in mind for a salary during the interview process, and made your salary expectations clear.

Of course, it's also possible that the negotiation process will go smoothly, resulting in a counter offer that's everything you want, and is acceptable to the hiring manager and company as well. If you feel that you deserve more, and that your expectations are reasonable based on the position and industry, use the tips and strategies below to negotiate a counter offer.

One of the best ways to open discussions after you have received an offer is to ask for meeting to discuss the offer. Know your value and the industry rate for your position. The best negotiation tactics are rooted in facts, not emotion, so spend some time researching. When negotiating your counter offer, you'll need to make a case for why you should receive a better offer. This case will be built on your value: You'll want to remind the employer of why you're a particularly good match, offering experience and know-how that other candidates do not.

Most likely, employers would prefer not to restart the interview process; they picked you for a reason! As well, you'll want to let employers know about the market value for the position. You can mention the salary range for similar positions at other companies.

Here is how to research a company , and here are key statistics on typical employer benefits packages. Don't rush it. Since you need to have a lot of information to make a reasonable counter offer, it's worth taking some time before you begin negotiations. So how do you do that? This is where your aggression factor comes into play. They met your minimum, so now you just need to determine an appropriate counter.

You have two main options in this situation. This is the most direct route, but it has the downside that it caps your possible salary at your minimum acceptable salary. The real question is whether you can reasonably counter a high enough salary that a negotiation will lead to a salary greater than your minimum acceptable salary.

I am definitely open to discussing alternative compensation, such as opportunities for additional stock options or increased performance-based bonuses. Related: What Is a Competitive Salary? Salary negotiation is a critical step in the hiring process. By taking the time to talk through why you feel you need more compensation, you can help employers better understand the value you provide. By using the above tips to negotiate your salary, you can walk into the conversation confident, prepared and ready to secure the pay you deserve.

Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Why you should negotiate your salary. When to negotiate your salary. Start by evaluating what you have to offer. Geographic location: Consider the cost of living in your geographic location. For example, you might require a higher salary in San Francisco than Minneapolis for the same set of responsibilities because it generally costs more to live there.

Years of industry experience: If the job description requires years of experience and you meet the higher requirement, it might warrant a higher salary. Years of leadership experience: Similar to industry experience, if the employer prefers or requires leadership skills and you meet or exceed their expectations, it may be justification for higher pay.

Career level: In general, you might expect a higher pay range as you advance further in your career. Skills: Niche or technical skills that take time to master may attract higher salaries.

Licenses and certifications: An employer may require or prefer that you have specific licenses or certifications. If you already have them, you might be in a good position to request greater compensation. Research the market average. What is the national average salary for the position? What is the average in your geographic location and in cities nearby? Prepare your talking points. If possible, use actual numbers.

Years of industry experience, particularly if you have more experience than the employer stated as a minimum requirement. Skills or certifications, especially if they are in high demand within your industry. Average salaries being offered by other similar employers for similar roles.

Schedule a time to discuss. Rehearse with a trusted friend. Be confident. Lead with gratitude. Ask for the top of your range.