Asking for (and getting) more money

Jivin Turkey

I'm currently job-hunting and have been offered (or am expecting an offer for) a number of roles which are of interest to me.

The one that I really had my eye on has offered me a place at a very good salary. As much as I was expecting. Now in the interview we briefly discussed figures and the interviewer suggested a number which was agreeable to me but I gave off the impression of uncertainty and he indicated that we wouldn't be falling out over small amounts, and suggested a slightly higher figure before we moved on to something else.

When I received the formal offer it was at the second figure suggested, again at the top end of my expectations. I am deciding on the job tomorrow and will be meeting my interviewer. Now even though I am happy to take the job as is, I don't want to just take the first figure they officially threw at me and plan to again indicate some uncertainty. But I want to let them know that I will accept the job there and then if they sweeten the deal.

Any suggestions on leading lines?

Thanks in advance.

helimachoptor

Op If what you were offered was at the upper end of your expectations I'd take it.

dudara

helimachoptor wrote: »

Op If what you were offered was at the upper end of your expectations I'd take it.

+1

You already played the uncertainty card. I wouldn't be willing to do it again.

Jivin Turkey

Hmmm. I agree to an extent, the last thing I want to do is seem greedy.

But personally, in any line of business I do, I would rarely take the first price officially quoted. At the time of this interview I was reasonably sure that I was in the running for the position, hence the specific talk of numbers. Since then I've explored other opportunities, which this crowd know, so potentially I could have a better offer. I've received other offers but this is still the best in terms of salary and the role for me.

This role also has some specific uncertainties attached to it, it's a volatile industry, expected high-growth but by no means guaranteed, a lot of travel involved initially, and numerous teething problems (which I am being recruited to solve). I have a right to still be uncertain.

growler

for the very reasons you mentioned above you can feel quite entitled to look for additional sweeteners to the deal, if the salary had been discussed and your hirer felt like they had met your expectations i may seem a bit mercenary to hover over the contract and ask for more, with volatility travel etc involved i'd look to see if you can get some better benefits from them, holidays, stock options, bonuses etc. ...

really depends on the seniority of the position and the number of others out there who can do the same job

good luck,

cronos

I would look for a bonus based on you solving the teething issues.

Jivin Turkey

Thanks for this lads.

It's a reasonably senior position and there is also bonus scheme, and other benefits on top of this basic salary. All of which I'm happy with. I just think there is certainly more scope to get a little bit more.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Babooshka

Why don't you ask them if you can have it reviewed after the end of the probationary period if there is one, and if you're both happy that there is opportunity to up your salary then. Just a thought. Sounds nice for you though, good luck.

NinjaTruncs

IMO you've already negotiated on your salary, in the interviewers eyes you suggested ou were not happy with the salary and he offered you more, you should have voiced your concerns then. I think you would have been in a better position if you didn't shoot your load, so to speak, and try negotiating a higher salary before you were offered the job.

Also you may not be the only person that the considered for the role, just becasue you were offered it dosn't mean that if you start messing them around they would have a nother suitable candidate waiting.

They have offered you the higher end of your expectations and you are still not happy. it time to bring yourself back down to earth my friend.

Jivin Turkey

Thanks for the replies folks.

All went well today, I voiced that I was mulling over another offer, as I'm in the "lucky" position of being unemployed so I've been able to explore a number of options. I do have other offers but this is the one I want.

When we discussed the specifics of the package they indicated that they really wanted me for the role (a nice ego boost!). I suggested in a joking fashion that they could always make it easier to accept! And now they're going to come back to me after they discuss the possibility of a slightly sweeter bonus package and a small increase in salary.

All good!

growler

well done