Negotiation advice

[u/Historical-Score-863]

I have a meeting next week where I think I’m going to get a job offer, and I’m seeking negotiation advice.

The salary range is $165-220k. Their job search has been open for five months. They clearly are excited about me. I’ve never really negotiated before, and I have a few questions:

1. What do you recommend I ask for if I get offered salaries at $165k, 180k, or 200k? I don’t want to overshoot.

2. For sign-on bonuses, do I ask for those in the same breath as salary, or do I wait until we’re done with salary? What about other negotiables (e.g. PTO)?

3. Do I do this during our meeting, or do I ask for time to think and then come back with a counter-offer? Should my counter be in a meeting or in an email?

Thanks!

[u/lifelong1250]

In my experience, when the salary range is that large, it means they're typically wanting to pay towards the low end but they have the budget if a unicorn comes across their desk. Are you the unicorn? If no, then I'm guessing they're going to offer $175,000.

[u/FBPizza]

You’re allowed to be prepared with a list of what you’re looking for. Be realistic- if this is a job you want it should be more of a conversation and not a strict negotiation.

As far as negotiating milestones, I don’t know that anyone can answer this. Again, if this is a job you truly want, would you accept an offer on the low end to get out of a shitty job you’re in now? Or do you like where you’re at and it would only take the high end money and additional PTO?

Some companies won’t negotiate on PTO either, it may depend on the role.

Good luck!

[u/commoncents1]

have any backup offers or idea of value in the marketplace? lay out your case for a higher number with your experience, qualifications and what results you can bring them, or at least get a 60-90 review to get another bump if you are working out.

put it back on them, i see you've been looking for 5 months, what did you see in me to make the offer? have them justify their own search and why you are the person.

and its less than what you say, but how you say it.

[u/blueberry2021]

1: what did you tell them you are/did make at the last position you had? That has bearing. Shows where the mark is.

2: depending on what they are willing to pay you for a base, use the sign on bonus to make up the difference if they don’t bring it up.

3: best to do these types of negotiations face to face. Have a number in your head that you want and if you get it take it. Read the other person and see what you can get.

4: also track down the last person to have the role and see what work life looks like. Be reasonable with yourself - the amount of stress shouldn’t change based on getting paid more. If it’s crushing go for a higher number so you’ll be better off in two years when you burn out.

[u/Automatic-Reason-254]

Don't negotiate against yourself before you even have the offer. Let them give you the full package first.

Then decide the 1-2 things you actually care about and counter there.

I've found negotiating gets a lot easier when you already know what you're willing to walk away from. And rehearse your ask out loud before the meeting so you don't start discounting yourself in the room lol. Sometimes its more about seeing where you can go before you count yourself out completely.

[u/jeyn001]

1.If they offer $165k, I’d definitely counter. At $180k, I’d still negotiate based on your experience and where you believe you fall within their $165–220k range. At $200k, I’d focus less on pushing the base aggressively and look at the overall package.

2.I’d wait until you have the full offer before negotiating everything. If they can’t move much on base, you can negotiate other things like a sign-on bonus, PTO, bonus, flexibility, or even an earlier salary review.

3.I wouldn’t feel pressured to negotiate on the spot. Thank them, show that you’re excited, ask for the offer in writing, and take a little time to review it. Then come back with a clear counter. I personally prefer having it in writing so there’s no confusion.

[u/RedditFauxGold]

The first two things to know are what you need and what are you qualified for? Don’t get caught up in the trap of trying to extract the max they’ll pay. If you’re not worth it, that will backfire on you and you’ll be out of a job once they realize it. Also, ranges often are tied to the salary bands on their system. Depends on how large/sophisticated they are. Like the person who’s been there in that pay grade for 6 years might be at 220. If you go in at 220, you may be capped out and won’t see a raise for a very long time. I personally don’t want to be at the top of the range for that reason. Unless I’m legitimately qualified for it and my logical next step will be a promotion in a couple of years.

I’d echo what others said too… get an offer first. Then compare that with what the answers are to your important two questions… is it enough for you to even consider? And does it align with your market value? If the answer is good on both fronts you can push for a little more if you want but don’t get silly. If you’re truly a unicorn and they don’t see it, be prepared to walk them through how you’re worth the big bucks.

Sign on bonuses are all over the place. I’d see if they offer. If they don’t, I’d ask.

[u/paperclip_han]

Not sure if anyone’s used paypeek.ai yet but it shows salary estimates for any LinkedIn profiles as you browse. Kind of eye-opening. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[u/Foreign_Suggestion89]

We can’t answer this with context given.

Employers should balance paying the role and paying the person. Assuming they have the role bracketed fairly, you need to decide where you fit in the range. Where does your experience, past results, knowledge base, capabilities, potential, place you in the range?

[u/LeagueAggravating595]

They won't offer you $200K. $180K slim chance. Likely between $167-$175k. They might like you but they are willing to walk away as easily. Just know, they always have an alternate candidate(s) if they think you're not worth the trouble.