Need some negotiation advice

Jul 4, 2021 10 Comments

I've never negotiated for a salary before, and I would really appreciate any advice I can get.

I'm currently SDEIII at Expedia, TC ~170k. I've been interviewing recently, and have acquired an offer from a company similar in size/relevance that sounds like an interesting opportunity to me. They offered 190 TC, with around the same salary, but far better RSUs, however it is SDEII at a company that also has SDEIII before senior, so it's kind of a down level. I think I did poorly on the design interview, and that's why I didn't get an SDEIII offer. The recruiter is also trying to tell me I have to accept by this coming Friday which is very short notice (Offer was received this past Monday or Tuesday I think). I still have a few more interviews coming up, and a few other companies I have interviewed with that I'm hoping to hear from.

I'm a little concerned about the down level, but it does seem like a good fit for me. I've heard you should always negotiate your offer, but I really have no idea how to. Should I ask for like 5k more salary? Am I aiming to high or low? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I don't want to name the company because I feel I've already given quite a bit of identifiable information.
#career #negotiate #offers

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TOP 10 Comments
  • New
    Animorphos

    New

    Animorphos
    Respectfully, I have no clue how capable you are, but the feeling I get from reading your post is low confidence and low ability. My guess is that you communicate this way in person as well.

    I bring this up because it's a major factor in interviewing. If I'm right, your best bet may be to work on those presentation skills and then go interview at a bunch of companies to have leverage and be able to have confidence through negotiations.
    Jul 4, 2021 4
    • New
      Animorphos

      New

      Animorphos
      Your level of deference to them is part of what makes me think the hints I picked up from your writing pervade your mindset and thus reflect in your oration. If that is the case, you may have already set the tone with them that they make the rules and you are low-demand low-leverage.

      Mind you, I lack context, so it may all be justified and all my gleanings may be way off.
      Jul 4, 2021
    • I am willing to walk away. The offer is by no means life changing. Good to know that exploding offers are bs, that helps a lot. Thanks for your help!
      Jul 4, 2021
  • Apple
    qazescedc

    Go to company page Apple

    qazescedc
    You can find some mini leverage by saying something like “I’m concerned about moving to SDEII as it is a down level — what can be done to move to an SDEIII position/senior level? If not, can you raise the base salary? [If not,] can you raise RSUs?”
    Jul 4, 2021 0
  • Google
    QPbT45

    Go to company page Google

    QPbT45
    I wouldn’t move for less than 20%. Ask for more base if they say no ask for equity
    Jul 4, 2021 0
  • Aprimo
    MoLe15

    Aprimo

    MoLe15
    I have simulated situations, my problem is the team interviewers thinks I’m not senior enough, but the funny thing is they never ask difficult questions, they also down level but senior TC, but when I try to negotiate the HM just rejected the offer, so I think if they already down level you then should not push so hard.
    Jul 4, 2021 0
  • New
    Animorphos

    New

    Animorphos
    To answer your question, you can negotiate for whatever you want. Just give reasons for everything and be friendly and confident.
    Jul 4, 2021 1
    • New
      Animorphos

      New

      Animorphos
      If you sound deferential and timid when talking to them, you will be perceived as junior and low value. If you sound like an douche talking to them, you will be perceived as an douche.
      Jul 4, 2021