Let's say you receive an offer that is too low. You need to take it because it's your only opportunity and you can't continue your search. Yet if you try to negotiate a higher salary, the offer might be withdrawn. What do you do?
You accept the job offer, and make it clear you are accepting. "I'm accepting your offer and will begin work on March 1, as we discussed. However, I do have some concerns about the compensation based on my family situation. I have a special needs child [or three kids in college, or an aging parent in Kansas City—or whatever] and the salary seems a bit below market rate. In my research, I'm seeing salaries $5,000-$10,000 higher for this job. Is there any way you can meet that . . . ?" Quite often, the answer is yes—as in this case.
Hi Matt,
Just wondering if you accepted your offer and how it came out.
Thanks,
:B
From: Matt Crawford [matt@yahoo.com]
Sent: August 02, 20— 11:03 AM
To: wsfrank@careerlab.com
Subject: Re: Job Offer?
I have verbally accepted, they are sending me a revised offer letter with changes to make it official today. Your suggestion to ask for salary help after accepting was a great strategy. Although it only got me a 2.5% increase, it was 2.5% more than I had before, and I was prepared to accept that.
I have the title I want (V.P.), a great salary for the local market, a start date of September 23!!!!, and their acknowledgement that I will be considered for an additional position with more responsibility as soon as I start.
This seems to be a great situation—we are both happy with the terms and both excited about my joining. I have plenty of time off, a great offer, a transition into a new industry, and room to grow. How could I let this one go?
Stay in touch,
MC