After a long search, you have finally found a job that appeals to you, but the situation isn’t that bright. At the end of the interview, the employer offers you a smaller wage than you would have expected. What should you do in this situation? You shouldn’t despair, as you can always ask for a better offer, but you have to be extremely careful. Here are a few tips on how to counter a job offer and obtain the pay you have been dreaming about.
Some things to consider
Before accepting the offer without any negotiation or before starting to ask for a better payment, here are some things you need to keep in mind. Most employees would like to negotiate a better offer during an interview, but a much smaller part of them actually do it.
Some of these attempts might be successful, so it would be a pity not to try your luck. When you receive an offer and you want to negotiate it, what you will is propose a counter offer. However, before doing it, you should settle some strategies and techniques that will increase your chances of success.
What is a counter offer?
You can only make a counter offer during a job interview. At the end, after you have passed all the tests, the employer decides if they are willing to hire you, and makes you an offer. If you don’t find it suitable for your needs, you can make a counter offer, meaning that you are trying to negotiate a bigger pay.
However, a counter offer doesn’t always appear for a new job. If you receive a new position at your current workplace and are not happy with all the conditions, you can negotiate a counter offer. Also, if some other company makes you an offer, you can ask your current employer for a counter offer if he wants you to stay.
Should you make that counter offer or not?
Although you might want to, think twice before asking the employer for a better offer. Most people refrain from making counter offers mostly because they are not feeling comfortable to ask for a better pay. Others think they will lose the job if they appear too greedy and ask for more.
This might happen, indeed, but it’s not the case in all companies. Some of them might appreciate the candidate more if they come with a counter offer, and will usually grant them more money if they don’t ask for an unusually high payment.
How to counter a job offer
There are some things you need to keep in mind before you step into the building and start that interview. Your negotiation might really be successful if you do it right. You should prepare for this moment before the actual interview, so you would know how to act.
What to do before the negotiation
First of all, you should know your employer. Before going to the interview, do a little research on the company and its average salaries, as well as any factors that might influence it. This way, you would know what to ask for, and weigh your chances of success.
Once you’re there, you should first wait for the actual offer. The employer needs to be convinced you are the person they have been looking for, so they would agree to a counter offer. If you have been given some time before accepting the offer, make sure you come with the counter proposal before saying yes.
Tricks to apply during the negotiation
Try to be as convincing as possible – Instead of just stating your demands, it’s better to explain the employer why you want this. This way, you have more chances to convince them and make them see your point. If you don’t have anything convincing to support your claims, then it might be unwise to make a big counter offer.
Consider the current offer – Instead of immediately rejecting the offer made by the employer, take some time to consider it. Maybe the payment is not your dream salary, but you might receive some other benefits and compensations. These can be advantageous as well, and you might be just as content with the current offer.
Maintain your position – Of course, if the employer explains why you cannot get the desired offer or gives you a good compensation, it is advisable to be flexible. However, if you really want a better wage, it’s better to stay strong and don’t let yourself be influenced. Some employers might try to persuade you to give up, and abandoning your position too easily would not be too great for your image.
Do not ask for too much – Greed is something you should avoid during a job interview. Make sure you deserve that higher amount of money, and do not ask for a huge salary nobody would afford to give you. If you remain reasonable, you have a lot more chances of success than if you try to impress and baffle your future employer.
Do not give your employer an ultimatum – Such a practice brings a lot of pressure to it, and no employer is willing to take it. This will not make you look stronger, but rather stubborn. Your employer might adopt the same practice and quickly find a more profitable situation. Nobody is irreplaceable, and they can find someone else for the job if you’re not willing to cooperate with them.
Summing up
Although many people don’t do it, making a counter offer during an interview can really help you. If you stay reasonable, explain why you should get a higher pay, and show flexibility, your attempt has all the chances to be successful. Some employers actually appreciate candidates that express their wishes and are willing to support their claims.
Instead of getting scared that the employer will no longer want to work with you, it’s better to create a brief strategy and push forth your demands. However, to avoid an unpleasant situation, do your research and make sure your requests are affordable.
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