I’m getting laid off and searching for my next role. I’ve done some research, and my current salary is about 30% higher than the average market rate in LA for my role and experience. I recieved an offer that includes a base salary a few thousand less than market and a chunk of stock options. No bonuses. I also need to get details on their benefits package. I don’t expect to keep making what I do now, and I was thinking of sending a counter offer with a 20% higer base salary, which is higher than I would be comfortable accepting. Is a 20% bump too high to counter when the original offer is very close to market? This would my first job I accepted without a third party recruiter, so I’ve never needed to negotiate this part myself before. TC 175k
Negotiation is never done on a single dimension. Look at all the tangibles and intangibles that are on the table. Could you offer them something more for asking them to give you 20% more? For instance, could you join sooner and hit the ground running? What would you give up in equity to make your target base? These are just examples. You will need to work with the hiring manager to figure out the details of what's acceptable on both sides. Don't have an adversarial mindset about negotiations.
That sounds like great advice, will definitely put it to use. Thanks!
This is spot on. People too often assume negotiations must equate to a winner and a loser, or that there is only a single lynch-pin holding things together. More often there are many moving parts. Plus, as Padawan suggested proposing other alternatives can show your reasonable nature and that you’re a team player. Do your homework and make the deal happen!