Should I take the first offer I get?

Nov 25, 2021 12 Comments

I know I am currently underpaid, but I didn't know by how much. I thought i would apply at a few places just to see what TC they are offering. I had 3 interviews that didn't lead to an offer (but on the bright side they helped me improve my interview skills).

I interviewed at another company and gave me an offer that is quite a bit higher than what I am making. But it is the first offer I have received, and I think I could get a similar (or higher) offer somewhere else. This is a smaller company that I have never heard of, and the product seems kind of boring. The people seem nice though.

Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but I was hoping my next job would be with a FAANG, or at least have some cool travel opportunities or perks, and I wouldn't be getting that with the job I've been offered. It it worth rejecting the job offer I received with the hopes of finding something better? Or is "a bird in the hand better than 2 in the bush"?

Updated to add TC:
TC for this new offer is $170k, which is about 40k higher than my current role. Plus this new job is giving a 20k signing bonus. It is a big jump for me, but it doesn't seem like much when I compare it to the TCs I'm seeing here!

#tech

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TOP 12 Comments
  • GE
    n64gtfo

    Go to company page GE

    n64gtfo
    Tc or gtfo I think applies a lot here.
    Nov 25, 2021 1
    • OP
      Sorry! TC for this new offer is $170k, which is about 40k higher than my current role. Plus this new job is giving a 20k signing bonus. It is a big jump for me, but it doesn't seem like much when I compare it to the TCs I'm seeing here
      Nov 25, 2021
  • Amazon
    ExmW01

    Go to company page Amazon

    ExmW01
    Do not take the first offer - ever! Even if they say it is a final offer. Explain what it will take X to make you excited to sign. Add 20-30% more to what they’re offering. Be confident - don’t hesitate when speaking. Or, email it back. Otherwise you’ll be leaving money on the table and will regret it and feel the repercussions of it cumulatively everyone year onwards. They won’t take away your offer fir asking. Good luck!

    PM
    Current: $170k
    New Tot comp: $370k
    Nov 25, 2021 2
    • OP
      Thank you for the reply! I just replied to another message about this, and then saw your post. But basically there wasn't really any negotiation on my part. They made an offer and then came back with a signing bonus and other bonus. They said they couldn't increase the base because I was already at the top of the band. Also they kept pushing for an answer quickly, which really stressed me out. I accepted verbally but haven't signed anything. Can I still negotiate?
      Nov 25, 2021
    • SIXT / Eng
      licpo

      Go to company page SIXT Eng

      licpo
      Accepting an offer verbally without negotiating is a mistake. If you ask for more now, you could come across as greedy. However, still go for it. You can negotiate until the day you join. You already have a job - so that's your leverage.

      Their job is to get you to accept the offer anyhow. You need to be absolutely sure that there's nothing more on the table before you sign. So, always do that as late as possible.

      Step 1: they make an offer. You thank them and say you'll think about it.

      Step 2: ask for more, say +50%. Assert your value. Show excitement about the company and work.

      Step 3: they say they can't offer what you asked. But they can give you +20%. Thank them and say you'll discuss it with family/spouse/friend and let them know. If they push you to accept, always say the same thing unless you're happy with the offer.

      Step 4: say that if they add Y to the offer, you'll sign. This is the final ask and the most important signal. The recruiter will definitely budge if your ask is reasonable.

      Step 5: recruiter comes back and says yes. Accept and be happy!
      Nov 25, 2021
  • SIXT / Eng
    licpo

    Go to company page SIXT Eng

    licpo
    Negotiate hard.
    Nov 25, 2021 3
  • Square
    circlebox

    Go to company page Square

    circlebox
    Congrats on the offer! Now you know you’re capable of doing it, so take heart in that.

    You said the product was boring, so you can look at it like this - either you take the job because it’s an upgrade in comp, and maybe you’ll learn something that helps you get the job you really want in 2 years. Or, you say no, and keep looking, learning from this experience.

    It’s a crazy job market right now. If you aren’t sure what you want, it’s worthwhile to take a moment to figure it out, and look specifically for that. Target what would make you happy and go for increased comp along with it.

    Good luck!
    Nov 25, 2021 0
  • Tricentis / Other
    ggbh86

    Tricentis Other

    ggbh86
    I totally get your predicament. My two cents. Use patience here and test the waters even more. Unless you are just truly miserable and really need the cash.

    From what I have seen here, it’s always encouraged to get multiple offers, especially if you can find one with a place where you want to work.

    Good luck 👍🏼
    Nov 25, 2021 0