Should you always counter the first offer letter?

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I just received the first offer letter and it is better than what I asked for. So I am tempted to just accept it but many people and sites say you should always counter. Is it always better to counter asking for more?







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  • 15




    I say if your happy with it take it. But then I tend to look for value in other things in the workplace over the money package
    – dreza
    Apr 18 '12 at 2:18

















up vote
47
down vote

favorite
11












I just received the first offer letter and it is better than what I asked for. So I am tempted to just accept it but many people and sites say you should always counter. Is it always better to counter asking for more?







share|improve this question


















  • 15




    I say if your happy with it take it. But then I tend to look for value in other things in the workplace over the money package
    – dreza
    Apr 18 '12 at 2:18













up vote
47
down vote

favorite
11









up vote
47
down vote

favorite
11






11





I just received the first offer letter and it is better than what I asked for. So I am tempted to just accept it but many people and sites say you should always counter. Is it always better to counter asking for more?







share|improve this question














I just received the first offer letter and it is better than what I asked for. So I am tempted to just accept it but many people and sites say you should always counter. Is it always better to counter asking for more?









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Apr 18 '12 at 2:22









IDrinkandIKnowThings

43.9k1398188




43.9k1398188










asked Apr 18 '12 at 2:07









Todd

343134




343134







  • 15




    I say if your happy with it take it. But then I tend to look for value in other things in the workplace over the money package
    – dreza
    Apr 18 '12 at 2:18













  • 15




    I say if your happy with it take it. But then I tend to look for value in other things in the workplace over the money package
    – dreza
    Apr 18 '12 at 2:18








15




15




I say if your happy with it take it. But then I tend to look for value in other things in the workplace over the money package
– dreza
Apr 18 '12 at 2:18





I say if your happy with it take it. But then I tend to look for value in other things in the workplace over the money package
– dreza
Apr 18 '12 at 2:18











5 Answers
5






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
79
down vote



accepted










There aren't any hard and fast rules about "you MUST counter the first offer" - If you have an offer you like, accept it.



That said, these are the guidelines I've always used:



  • If you asked for a number and they came back with a higher one - DON'T counter.

    They already value you higher than you valued yourself - you will appear to be greedy if you ask for even more. If you really wanted more money you should have asked for more (when negotiating start with an unreasonable demand and work your way toward what you think they'll accept).


  • If you asked for a number and they came back with that number - Don't counter.

    Or more accurately, be prepared to blow the deal if you do. You named a number. They agreed. Trying to get more now will be seen as reneging on the deal (because it is: You're renegotiating after they already agreed to your demands).

    Again, if you really wanted more money you should have named a bigger number.


  • If you asked for a number and they came back below it - Counter if you must.

    If the number you named was high and you have a cushion you can consider taking an offer below the number you named (as long as it meets your financial needs).

    Of course if you asked for $75,000 and they came back with $50,000 it may be a different story -- I don't usually build in a 33% cushion into my figures :-)


  • If you didn't ask for a number but they came back with more than you expected - Maybe counter.

    You can probably get a little more out of them, most companies make an offer below the maximum they are willing to spend to bring you on board. Conversely though if they tell you they can't do any better be prepared to accept (or walk away).


  • If you didn't ask for a number and their offer is below what you are looking for - Think Carefully.

    Sure, you might get more money out of them, but if the number is REALLY low the company might also be struggling to make ends meet, or they may consider workers expendable cogs: When you get sick of the low pay, long hours and horrid working conditions you'll quit and they'll get another underpaid peon to do the job.

    Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.


I'm also a big proponent of "Make me an offer based on what you think I'm worth" rather than naming a number. If I am forced to name a number I name a range, and I aim high, for the reasons I already mentioned above.






share|improve this answer
















  • 3




    Thanks. I like the way voretaq7 answered with a little breakdown. A lot of the other answers are "it depends" but you explained the different scenarios.
    – Todd
    Apr 18 '12 at 3:33






  • 4




    +1. You definitely can't counter if the offer is above your initial demand.
    – kevin cline
    Apr 18 '12 at 5:05






  • 7




    +1 for Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.
    – IDrinkandIKnowThings
    Apr 18 '12 at 12:49






  • 5




    +1 Great answer. Bear in mind that an offer usually consist of more than just a salary figure, it will also include other conditions. Make sure that these are aligned with yours as well.
    – tehnyit
    Apr 18 '12 at 13:39










  • @tehnyit Absolutely - Consider the whole compensation package (Salary, Benefits (medical/dental/vision), perks (401(k), IRA, pension), vacation/paid leave allowances), perks (flex time, telecommute, paid transit), and of course the company itself (environment, co-workers, cool stuff to work on).
    – voretaq7
    Apr 18 '12 at 16:40

















up vote
10
down vote













You were offered more than you asked for. At this point going back and countering asking for more still will appear greedy. That is not to say you can not get more but you have an offer that will make you happy. Why not take that good will and show them that doing right by you is going to pay off. If you ask for more they could withdraw the offer all together. So the question is would you rather have more than you asked for for sure. Or take the risk that you might get more but might lose a great offer?



For what it is worth I did consulting for nearly 20 years. I only rarely ever countered. I had an expectation. If they offer came in below that I either accepted or rejected. Sometimes they came back with more usually I would reject them anyway. I have never had an offer come in for more than I asked for. And I have some fairly good references.






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    up vote
    4
    down vote













    Don't be greedy. If it's more than you wanted anyway, just take it. You could risk it, but you may end up blowing the opportunity if they decide to revoke their offer altogether and offer it to someone else.



    The choice is yours. Choose wisely.






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      up vote
      1
      down vote













      It's a risk and I would say that what to do depends on:



      • Your cash. When is rent due.


      • The company size. At a small company it's more likely closer colleagues will know about it.


      • How good the non-cash intangibles are.


      • If you have any other offers.


      • How confident you are about getting another offer quickly.


      • The hours and if the pay implies 80 hours work for 40 hours pay?






      share|improve this answer



























        up vote
        1
        down vote













        It depends on what the fair market range is in your area. Do your research and see if they offered you your worth. You can make it clear that you did your research after the interview, and found that they low-balled you. If they'll pull the offer for this reason, I say "good riddance!" You never wanted to work there, I guarantee you.



        A lot of times, people go for a job interview prepared just to scale the technical questions as best as they can, without necessarily devoting as much time into researching the fair market price for the position. So I don't think it's fair to make candidates give an expected number in the first place. I think it's better to just ask what they make now, and why they are looking. If they do very well on the interview, you can still try to increase your bottom-line by offering them the lower end of the fair market range if their current or last salary is below the range, and leave it up to them to do their research and negotiate. If they already fall in the fair market range, offer them something between the high end of the range or what your company can afford, if you need them badly, and their current pay. If, on the other hand, they make way more than the fair market range, maybe they should stick with their current job unless they are open to a pay cut, but I think an employer should offer them somewhere near the highest point of the range. All the above, of course, assumes that they are perfectly/best qualified for the position. If, on the other hand, a candidate is desperately looking, they have matched a number "you gave," I say take it.






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        • I agree with you except the very last sentence. Please don't call out names without explaining why.
          – scaaahu
          Feb 1 '14 at 11:16










        • Hello Guest, welcome to The Workplace. We're not a discussion site and instead are a Q&A site, so answers should stand on their own without vaguely referring to other answers. Additionally, we like answers to be supported by facts, references, and specific expertise as per our back it up rule. I edited this post to help make it more standalone. Please see How to Answer for more details.
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        5 Answers
        5






        active

        oldest

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        5 Answers
        5






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

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        active

        oldest

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        up vote
        79
        down vote



        accepted










        There aren't any hard and fast rules about "you MUST counter the first offer" - If you have an offer you like, accept it.



        That said, these are the guidelines I've always used:



        • If you asked for a number and they came back with a higher one - DON'T counter.

          They already value you higher than you valued yourself - you will appear to be greedy if you ask for even more. If you really wanted more money you should have asked for more (when negotiating start with an unreasonable demand and work your way toward what you think they'll accept).


        • If you asked for a number and they came back with that number - Don't counter.

          Or more accurately, be prepared to blow the deal if you do. You named a number. They agreed. Trying to get more now will be seen as reneging on the deal (because it is: You're renegotiating after they already agreed to your demands).

          Again, if you really wanted more money you should have named a bigger number.


        • If you asked for a number and they came back below it - Counter if you must.

          If the number you named was high and you have a cushion you can consider taking an offer below the number you named (as long as it meets your financial needs).

          Of course if you asked for $75,000 and they came back with $50,000 it may be a different story -- I don't usually build in a 33% cushion into my figures :-)


        • If you didn't ask for a number but they came back with more than you expected - Maybe counter.

          You can probably get a little more out of them, most companies make an offer below the maximum they are willing to spend to bring you on board. Conversely though if they tell you they can't do any better be prepared to accept (or walk away).


        • If you didn't ask for a number and their offer is below what you are looking for - Think Carefully.

          Sure, you might get more money out of them, but if the number is REALLY low the company might also be struggling to make ends meet, or they may consider workers expendable cogs: When you get sick of the low pay, long hours and horrid working conditions you'll quit and they'll get another underpaid peon to do the job.

          Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.


        I'm also a big proponent of "Make me an offer based on what you think I'm worth" rather than naming a number. If I am forced to name a number I name a range, and I aim high, for the reasons I already mentioned above.






        share|improve this answer
















        • 3




          Thanks. I like the way voretaq7 answered with a little breakdown. A lot of the other answers are "it depends" but you explained the different scenarios.
          – Todd
          Apr 18 '12 at 3:33






        • 4




          +1. You definitely can't counter if the offer is above your initial demand.
          – kevin cline
          Apr 18 '12 at 5:05






        • 7




          +1 for Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.
          – IDrinkandIKnowThings
          Apr 18 '12 at 12:49






        • 5




          +1 Great answer. Bear in mind that an offer usually consist of more than just a salary figure, it will also include other conditions. Make sure that these are aligned with yours as well.
          – tehnyit
          Apr 18 '12 at 13:39










        • @tehnyit Absolutely - Consider the whole compensation package (Salary, Benefits (medical/dental/vision), perks (401(k), IRA, pension), vacation/paid leave allowances), perks (flex time, telecommute, paid transit), and of course the company itself (environment, co-workers, cool stuff to work on).
          – voretaq7
          Apr 18 '12 at 16:40














        up vote
        79
        down vote



        accepted










        There aren't any hard and fast rules about "you MUST counter the first offer" - If you have an offer you like, accept it.



        That said, these are the guidelines I've always used:



        • If you asked for a number and they came back with a higher one - DON'T counter.

          They already value you higher than you valued yourself - you will appear to be greedy if you ask for even more. If you really wanted more money you should have asked for more (when negotiating start with an unreasonable demand and work your way toward what you think they'll accept).


        • If you asked for a number and they came back with that number - Don't counter.

          Or more accurately, be prepared to blow the deal if you do. You named a number. They agreed. Trying to get more now will be seen as reneging on the deal (because it is: You're renegotiating after they already agreed to your demands).

          Again, if you really wanted more money you should have named a bigger number.


        • If you asked for a number and they came back below it - Counter if you must.

          If the number you named was high and you have a cushion you can consider taking an offer below the number you named (as long as it meets your financial needs).

          Of course if you asked for $75,000 and they came back with $50,000 it may be a different story -- I don't usually build in a 33% cushion into my figures :-)


        • If you didn't ask for a number but they came back with more than you expected - Maybe counter.

          You can probably get a little more out of them, most companies make an offer below the maximum they are willing to spend to bring you on board. Conversely though if they tell you they can't do any better be prepared to accept (or walk away).


        • If you didn't ask for a number and their offer is below what you are looking for - Think Carefully.

          Sure, you might get more money out of them, but if the number is REALLY low the company might also be struggling to make ends meet, or they may consider workers expendable cogs: When you get sick of the low pay, long hours and horrid working conditions you'll quit and they'll get another underpaid peon to do the job.

          Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.


        I'm also a big proponent of "Make me an offer based on what you think I'm worth" rather than naming a number. If I am forced to name a number I name a range, and I aim high, for the reasons I already mentioned above.






        share|improve this answer
















        • 3




          Thanks. I like the way voretaq7 answered with a little breakdown. A lot of the other answers are "it depends" but you explained the different scenarios.
          – Todd
          Apr 18 '12 at 3:33






        • 4




          +1. You definitely can't counter if the offer is above your initial demand.
          – kevin cline
          Apr 18 '12 at 5:05






        • 7




          +1 for Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.
          – IDrinkandIKnowThings
          Apr 18 '12 at 12:49






        • 5




          +1 Great answer. Bear in mind that an offer usually consist of more than just a salary figure, it will also include other conditions. Make sure that these are aligned with yours as well.
          – tehnyit
          Apr 18 '12 at 13:39










        • @tehnyit Absolutely - Consider the whole compensation package (Salary, Benefits (medical/dental/vision), perks (401(k), IRA, pension), vacation/paid leave allowances), perks (flex time, telecommute, paid transit), and of course the company itself (environment, co-workers, cool stuff to work on).
          – voretaq7
          Apr 18 '12 at 16:40












        up vote
        79
        down vote



        accepted







        up vote
        79
        down vote



        accepted






        There aren't any hard and fast rules about "you MUST counter the first offer" - If you have an offer you like, accept it.



        That said, these are the guidelines I've always used:



        • If you asked for a number and they came back with a higher one - DON'T counter.

          They already value you higher than you valued yourself - you will appear to be greedy if you ask for even more. If you really wanted more money you should have asked for more (when negotiating start with an unreasonable demand and work your way toward what you think they'll accept).


        • If you asked for a number and they came back with that number - Don't counter.

          Or more accurately, be prepared to blow the deal if you do. You named a number. They agreed. Trying to get more now will be seen as reneging on the deal (because it is: You're renegotiating after they already agreed to your demands).

          Again, if you really wanted more money you should have named a bigger number.


        • If you asked for a number and they came back below it - Counter if you must.

          If the number you named was high and you have a cushion you can consider taking an offer below the number you named (as long as it meets your financial needs).

          Of course if you asked for $75,000 and they came back with $50,000 it may be a different story -- I don't usually build in a 33% cushion into my figures :-)


        • If you didn't ask for a number but they came back with more than you expected - Maybe counter.

          You can probably get a little more out of them, most companies make an offer below the maximum they are willing to spend to bring you on board. Conversely though if they tell you they can't do any better be prepared to accept (or walk away).


        • If you didn't ask for a number and their offer is below what you are looking for - Think Carefully.

          Sure, you might get more money out of them, but if the number is REALLY low the company might also be struggling to make ends meet, or they may consider workers expendable cogs: When you get sick of the low pay, long hours and horrid working conditions you'll quit and they'll get another underpaid peon to do the job.

          Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.


        I'm also a big proponent of "Make me an offer based on what you think I'm worth" rather than naming a number. If I am forced to name a number I name a range, and I aim high, for the reasons I already mentioned above.






        share|improve this answer












        There aren't any hard and fast rules about "you MUST counter the first offer" - If you have an offer you like, accept it.



        That said, these are the guidelines I've always used:



        • If you asked for a number and they came back with a higher one - DON'T counter.

          They already value you higher than you valued yourself - you will appear to be greedy if you ask for even more. If you really wanted more money you should have asked for more (when negotiating start with an unreasonable demand and work your way toward what you think they'll accept).


        • If you asked for a number and they came back with that number - Don't counter.

          Or more accurately, be prepared to blow the deal if you do. You named a number. They agreed. Trying to get more now will be seen as reneging on the deal (because it is: You're renegotiating after they already agreed to your demands).

          Again, if you really wanted more money you should have named a bigger number.


        • If you asked for a number and they came back below it - Counter if you must.

          If the number you named was high and you have a cushion you can consider taking an offer below the number you named (as long as it meets your financial needs).

          Of course if you asked for $75,000 and they came back with $50,000 it may be a different story -- I don't usually build in a 33% cushion into my figures :-)


        • If you didn't ask for a number but they came back with more than you expected - Maybe counter.

          You can probably get a little more out of them, most companies make an offer below the maximum they are willing to spend to bring you on board. Conversely though if they tell you they can't do any better be prepared to accept (or walk away).


        • If you didn't ask for a number and their offer is below what you are looking for - Think Carefully.

          Sure, you might get more money out of them, but if the number is REALLY low the company might also be struggling to make ends meet, or they may consider workers expendable cogs: When you get sick of the low pay, long hours and horrid working conditions you'll quit and they'll get another underpaid peon to do the job.

          Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.


        I'm also a big proponent of "Make me an offer based on what you think I'm worth" rather than naming a number. If I am forced to name a number I name a range, and I aim high, for the reasons I already mentioned above.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Apr 18 '12 at 3:16









        voretaq7

        5,21812529




        5,21812529







        • 3




          Thanks. I like the way voretaq7 answered with a little breakdown. A lot of the other answers are "it depends" but you explained the different scenarios.
          – Todd
          Apr 18 '12 at 3:33






        • 4




          +1. You definitely can't counter if the offer is above your initial demand.
          – kevin cline
          Apr 18 '12 at 5:05






        • 7




          +1 for Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.
          – IDrinkandIKnowThings
          Apr 18 '12 at 12:49






        • 5




          +1 Great answer. Bear in mind that an offer usually consist of more than just a salary figure, it will also include other conditions. Make sure that these are aligned with yours as well.
          – tehnyit
          Apr 18 '12 at 13:39










        • @tehnyit Absolutely - Consider the whole compensation package (Salary, Benefits (medical/dental/vision), perks (401(k), IRA, pension), vacation/paid leave allowances), perks (flex time, telecommute, paid transit), and of course the company itself (environment, co-workers, cool stuff to work on).
          – voretaq7
          Apr 18 '12 at 16:40












        • 3




          Thanks. I like the way voretaq7 answered with a little breakdown. A lot of the other answers are "it depends" but you explained the different scenarios.
          – Todd
          Apr 18 '12 at 3:33






        • 4




          +1. You definitely can't counter if the offer is above your initial demand.
          – kevin cline
          Apr 18 '12 at 5:05






        • 7




          +1 for Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.
          – IDrinkandIKnowThings
          Apr 18 '12 at 12:49






        • 5




          +1 Great answer. Bear in mind that an offer usually consist of more than just a salary figure, it will also include other conditions. Make sure that these are aligned with yours as well.
          – tehnyit
          Apr 18 '12 at 13:39










        • @tehnyit Absolutely - Consider the whole compensation package (Salary, Benefits (medical/dental/vision), perks (401(k), IRA, pension), vacation/paid leave allowances), perks (flex time, telecommute, paid transit), and of course the company itself (environment, co-workers, cool stuff to work on).
          – voretaq7
          Apr 18 '12 at 16:40







        3




        3




        Thanks. I like the way voretaq7 answered with a little breakdown. A lot of the other answers are "it depends" but you explained the different scenarios.
        – Todd
        Apr 18 '12 at 3:33




        Thanks. I like the way voretaq7 answered with a little breakdown. A lot of the other answers are "it depends" but you explained the different scenarios.
        – Todd
        Apr 18 '12 at 3:33




        4




        4




        +1. You definitely can't counter if the offer is above your initial demand.
        – kevin cline
        Apr 18 '12 at 5:05




        +1. You definitely can't counter if the offer is above your initial demand.
        – kevin cline
        Apr 18 '12 at 5:05




        7




        7




        +1 for Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.
        – IDrinkandIKnowThings
        Apr 18 '12 at 12:49




        +1 for Working in such an environment is a soul-sucking experience -- Avoid it if at all possible.
        – IDrinkandIKnowThings
        Apr 18 '12 at 12:49




        5




        5




        +1 Great answer. Bear in mind that an offer usually consist of more than just a salary figure, it will also include other conditions. Make sure that these are aligned with yours as well.
        – tehnyit
        Apr 18 '12 at 13:39




        +1 Great answer. Bear in mind that an offer usually consist of more than just a salary figure, it will also include other conditions. Make sure that these are aligned with yours as well.
        – tehnyit
        Apr 18 '12 at 13:39












        @tehnyit Absolutely - Consider the whole compensation package (Salary, Benefits (medical/dental/vision), perks (401(k), IRA, pension), vacation/paid leave allowances), perks (flex time, telecommute, paid transit), and of course the company itself (environment, co-workers, cool stuff to work on).
        – voretaq7
        Apr 18 '12 at 16:40




        @tehnyit Absolutely - Consider the whole compensation package (Salary, Benefits (medical/dental/vision), perks (401(k), IRA, pension), vacation/paid leave allowances), perks (flex time, telecommute, paid transit), and of course the company itself (environment, co-workers, cool stuff to work on).
        – voretaq7
        Apr 18 '12 at 16:40












        up vote
        10
        down vote













        You were offered more than you asked for. At this point going back and countering asking for more still will appear greedy. That is not to say you can not get more but you have an offer that will make you happy. Why not take that good will and show them that doing right by you is going to pay off. If you ask for more they could withdraw the offer all together. So the question is would you rather have more than you asked for for sure. Or take the risk that you might get more but might lose a great offer?



        For what it is worth I did consulting for nearly 20 years. I only rarely ever countered. I had an expectation. If they offer came in below that I either accepted or rejected. Sometimes they came back with more usually I would reject them anyway. I have never had an offer come in for more than I asked for. And I have some fairly good references.






        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          10
          down vote













          You were offered more than you asked for. At this point going back and countering asking for more still will appear greedy. That is not to say you can not get more but you have an offer that will make you happy. Why not take that good will and show them that doing right by you is going to pay off. If you ask for more they could withdraw the offer all together. So the question is would you rather have more than you asked for for sure. Or take the risk that you might get more but might lose a great offer?



          For what it is worth I did consulting for nearly 20 years. I only rarely ever countered. I had an expectation. If they offer came in below that I either accepted or rejected. Sometimes they came back with more usually I would reject them anyway. I have never had an offer come in for more than I asked for. And I have some fairly good references.






          share|improve this answer






















            up vote
            10
            down vote










            up vote
            10
            down vote









            You were offered more than you asked for. At this point going back and countering asking for more still will appear greedy. That is not to say you can not get more but you have an offer that will make you happy. Why not take that good will and show them that doing right by you is going to pay off. If you ask for more they could withdraw the offer all together. So the question is would you rather have more than you asked for for sure. Or take the risk that you might get more but might lose a great offer?



            For what it is worth I did consulting for nearly 20 years. I only rarely ever countered. I had an expectation. If they offer came in below that I either accepted or rejected. Sometimes they came back with more usually I would reject them anyway. I have never had an offer come in for more than I asked for. And I have some fairly good references.






            share|improve this answer












            You were offered more than you asked for. At this point going back and countering asking for more still will appear greedy. That is not to say you can not get more but you have an offer that will make you happy. Why not take that good will and show them that doing right by you is going to pay off. If you ask for more they could withdraw the offer all together. So the question is would you rather have more than you asked for for sure. Or take the risk that you might get more but might lose a great offer?



            For what it is worth I did consulting for nearly 20 years. I only rarely ever countered. I had an expectation. If they offer came in below that I either accepted or rejected. Sometimes they came back with more usually I would reject them anyway. I have never had an offer come in for more than I asked for. And I have some fairly good references.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Apr 18 '12 at 2:18









            IDrinkandIKnowThings

            43.9k1398188




            43.9k1398188




















                up vote
                4
                down vote













                Don't be greedy. If it's more than you wanted anyway, just take it. You could risk it, but you may end up blowing the opportunity if they decide to revoke their offer altogether and offer it to someone else.



                The choice is yours. Choose wisely.






                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  4
                  down vote













                  Don't be greedy. If it's more than you wanted anyway, just take it. You could risk it, but you may end up blowing the opportunity if they decide to revoke their offer altogether and offer it to someone else.



                  The choice is yours. Choose wisely.






                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    4
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    4
                    down vote









                    Don't be greedy. If it's more than you wanted anyway, just take it. You could risk it, but you may end up blowing the opportunity if they decide to revoke their offer altogether and offer it to someone else.



                    The choice is yours. Choose wisely.






                    share|improve this answer












                    Don't be greedy. If it's more than you wanted anyway, just take it. You could risk it, but you may end up blowing the opportunity if they decide to revoke their offer altogether and offer it to someone else.



                    The choice is yours. Choose wisely.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Apr 18 '12 at 2:36









                    Bernard

                    15115




                    15115




















                        up vote
                        1
                        down vote













                        It's a risk and I would say that what to do depends on:



                        • Your cash. When is rent due.


                        • The company size. At a small company it's more likely closer colleagues will know about it.


                        • How good the non-cash intangibles are.


                        • If you have any other offers.


                        • How confident you are about getting another offer quickly.


                        • The hours and if the pay implies 80 hours work for 40 hours pay?






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          1
                          down vote













                          It's a risk and I would say that what to do depends on:



                          • Your cash. When is rent due.


                          • The company size. At a small company it's more likely closer colleagues will know about it.


                          • How good the non-cash intangibles are.


                          • If you have any other offers.


                          • How confident you are about getting another offer quickly.


                          • The hours and if the pay implies 80 hours work for 40 hours pay?






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote









                            It's a risk and I would say that what to do depends on:



                            • Your cash. When is rent due.


                            • The company size. At a small company it's more likely closer colleagues will know about it.


                            • How good the non-cash intangibles are.


                            • If you have any other offers.


                            • How confident you are about getting another offer quickly.


                            • The hours and if the pay implies 80 hours work for 40 hours pay?






                            share|improve this answer












                            It's a risk and I would say that what to do depends on:



                            • Your cash. When is rent due.


                            • The company size. At a small company it's more likely closer colleagues will know about it.


                            • How good the non-cash intangibles are.


                            • If you have any other offers.


                            • How confident you are about getting another offer quickly.


                            • The hours and if the pay implies 80 hours work for 40 hours pay?







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Apr 18 '12 at 2:30









                            Michael Durrant

                            9,68122856




                            9,68122856




















                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote













                                It depends on what the fair market range is in your area. Do your research and see if they offered you your worth. You can make it clear that you did your research after the interview, and found that they low-balled you. If they'll pull the offer for this reason, I say "good riddance!" You never wanted to work there, I guarantee you.



                                A lot of times, people go for a job interview prepared just to scale the technical questions as best as they can, without necessarily devoting as much time into researching the fair market price for the position. So I don't think it's fair to make candidates give an expected number in the first place. I think it's better to just ask what they make now, and why they are looking. If they do very well on the interview, you can still try to increase your bottom-line by offering them the lower end of the fair market range if their current or last salary is below the range, and leave it up to them to do their research and negotiate. If they already fall in the fair market range, offer them something between the high end of the range or what your company can afford, if you need them badly, and their current pay. If, on the other hand, they make way more than the fair market range, maybe they should stick with their current job unless they are open to a pay cut, but I think an employer should offer them somewhere near the highest point of the range. All the above, of course, assumes that they are perfectly/best qualified for the position. If, on the other hand, a candidate is desperately looking, they have matched a number "you gave," I say take it.






                                share|improve this answer






















                                • I agree with you except the very last sentence. Please don't call out names without explaining why.
                                  – scaaahu
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 11:16










                                • Hello Guest, welcome to The Workplace. We're not a discussion site and instead are a Q&A site, so answers should stand on their own without vaguely referring to other answers. Additionally, we like answers to be supported by facts, references, and specific expertise as per our back it up rule. I edited this post to help make it more standalone. Please see How to Answer for more details.
                                  – jmort253♦
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 22:07














                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote













                                It depends on what the fair market range is in your area. Do your research and see if they offered you your worth. You can make it clear that you did your research after the interview, and found that they low-balled you. If they'll pull the offer for this reason, I say "good riddance!" You never wanted to work there, I guarantee you.



                                A lot of times, people go for a job interview prepared just to scale the technical questions as best as they can, without necessarily devoting as much time into researching the fair market price for the position. So I don't think it's fair to make candidates give an expected number in the first place. I think it's better to just ask what they make now, and why they are looking. If they do very well on the interview, you can still try to increase your bottom-line by offering them the lower end of the fair market range if their current or last salary is below the range, and leave it up to them to do their research and negotiate. If they already fall in the fair market range, offer them something between the high end of the range or what your company can afford, if you need them badly, and their current pay. If, on the other hand, they make way more than the fair market range, maybe they should stick with their current job unless they are open to a pay cut, but I think an employer should offer them somewhere near the highest point of the range. All the above, of course, assumes that they are perfectly/best qualified for the position. If, on the other hand, a candidate is desperately looking, they have matched a number "you gave," I say take it.






                                share|improve this answer






















                                • I agree with you except the very last sentence. Please don't call out names without explaining why.
                                  – scaaahu
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 11:16










                                • Hello Guest, welcome to The Workplace. We're not a discussion site and instead are a Q&A site, so answers should stand on their own without vaguely referring to other answers. Additionally, we like answers to be supported by facts, references, and specific expertise as per our back it up rule. I edited this post to help make it more standalone. Please see How to Answer for more details.
                                  – jmort253♦
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 22:07












                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote










                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote









                                It depends on what the fair market range is in your area. Do your research and see if they offered you your worth. You can make it clear that you did your research after the interview, and found that they low-balled you. If they'll pull the offer for this reason, I say "good riddance!" You never wanted to work there, I guarantee you.



                                A lot of times, people go for a job interview prepared just to scale the technical questions as best as they can, without necessarily devoting as much time into researching the fair market price for the position. So I don't think it's fair to make candidates give an expected number in the first place. I think it's better to just ask what they make now, and why they are looking. If they do very well on the interview, you can still try to increase your bottom-line by offering them the lower end of the fair market range if their current or last salary is below the range, and leave it up to them to do their research and negotiate. If they already fall in the fair market range, offer them something between the high end of the range or what your company can afford, if you need them badly, and their current pay. If, on the other hand, they make way more than the fair market range, maybe they should stick with their current job unless they are open to a pay cut, but I think an employer should offer them somewhere near the highest point of the range. All the above, of course, assumes that they are perfectly/best qualified for the position. If, on the other hand, a candidate is desperately looking, they have matched a number "you gave," I say take it.






                                share|improve this answer














                                It depends on what the fair market range is in your area. Do your research and see if they offered you your worth. You can make it clear that you did your research after the interview, and found that they low-balled you. If they'll pull the offer for this reason, I say "good riddance!" You never wanted to work there, I guarantee you.



                                A lot of times, people go for a job interview prepared just to scale the technical questions as best as they can, without necessarily devoting as much time into researching the fair market price for the position. So I don't think it's fair to make candidates give an expected number in the first place. I think it's better to just ask what they make now, and why they are looking. If they do very well on the interview, you can still try to increase your bottom-line by offering them the lower end of the fair market range if their current or last salary is below the range, and leave it up to them to do their research and negotiate. If they already fall in the fair market range, offer them something between the high end of the range or what your company can afford, if you need them badly, and their current pay. If, on the other hand, they make way more than the fair market range, maybe they should stick with their current job unless they are open to a pay cut, but I think an employer should offer them somewhere near the highest point of the range. All the above, of course, assumes that they are perfectly/best qualified for the position. If, on the other hand, a candidate is desperately looking, they have matched a number "you gave," I say take it.







                                share|improve this answer














                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer








                                edited Feb 1 '14 at 22:05









                                jmort253♦

                                10.4k54376




                                10.4k54376










                                answered Jan 31 '14 at 17:03









                                Guest

                                111




                                111











                                • I agree with you except the very last sentence. Please don't call out names without explaining why.
                                  – scaaahu
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 11:16










                                • Hello Guest, welcome to The Workplace. We're not a discussion site and instead are a Q&A site, so answers should stand on their own without vaguely referring to other answers. Additionally, we like answers to be supported by facts, references, and specific expertise as per our back it up rule. I edited this post to help make it more standalone. Please see How to Answer for more details.
                                  – jmort253♦
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 22:07
















                                • I agree with you except the very last sentence. Please don't call out names without explaining why.
                                  – scaaahu
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 11:16










                                • Hello Guest, welcome to The Workplace. We're not a discussion site and instead are a Q&A site, so answers should stand on their own without vaguely referring to other answers. Additionally, we like answers to be supported by facts, references, and specific expertise as per our back it up rule. I edited this post to help make it more standalone. Please see How to Answer for more details.
                                  – jmort253♦
                                  Feb 1 '14 at 22:07















                                I agree with you except the very last sentence. Please don't call out names without explaining why.
                                – scaaahu
                                Feb 1 '14 at 11:16




                                I agree with you except the very last sentence. Please don't call out names without explaining why.
                                – scaaahu
                                Feb 1 '14 at 11:16












                                Hello Guest, welcome to The Workplace. We're not a discussion site and instead are a Q&A site, so answers should stand on their own without vaguely referring to other answers. Additionally, we like answers to be supported by facts, references, and specific expertise as per our back it up rule. I edited this post to help make it more standalone. Please see How to Answer for more details.
                                – jmort253♦
                                Feb 1 '14 at 22:07




                                Hello Guest, welcome to The Workplace. We're not a discussion site and instead are a Q&A site, so answers should stand on their own without vaguely referring to other answers. Additionally, we like answers to be supported by facts, references, and specific expertise as per our back it up rule. I edited this post to help make it more standalone. Please see How to Answer for more details.
                                – jmort253♦
                                Feb 1 '14 at 22:07












                                 

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