Tips to negotiate when you have a single offer

Zendesk
zKUj78

Go to company page Zendesk

zKUj78
Dec 15, 2021 13 Comments

The recruiter has implied that the comp team is more inclined towards improving the offer if I have a competing offer, which in my case I unfortunately don’t.

What should I do to maximize my TC, do I bluff that I have a competing offer as a negotiation tactic?

TC- $250k

13

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
  1. TOP
  2. RECENT
  3. OLD
 TOP 13 Comments
  • Google
    vUfP74

    Go to company page Google

    vUfP74
    Things I’ve done to get TC increases when I’ve only had one offer:

    1. Make it clear that I’m fine staying in my current job.

    2. Find some benefit that the new job doesn’t have (401k match, commuter benefit) and amplify its importance.

    3. Express interest in the role but you just want the numbers moved to X and then you’ll sign.
    Dec 15, 2021 0
  • You can start by saying that you’re “finishing the process” or are “wrapping up onsites” with other companies and are willing to cut those processes short if they improve your offer. If they don’t agree to do that but they give you more time, you’re in a better position to at least seem like you probably have other offers. I still think bluffing tends to be risky because they’re professional negotiators and you’re not so it’s better just to be coy when they probe about where your counter offer came from by focusing more on your “market value” than a specific other offer (esp if you don’t have one).
    Dec 15, 2021 2
  • If you bluff and they ask, you potentially lose the offer.

    I wouldn’t bluff here unless you’re ok with risking that.
    Dec 15, 2021 2
    • Zendesk
      zKUj78

      Go to company page Zendesk

      zKUj78
      OP
      What would they ask for, a written offer? Most companies don’t send a written offer unless the candidate has accepted the offer yet (at least in my experience). Just playing devil’s advocate and trying to play out the scenario here
      Dec 15, 2021
    • An offer letter or email is probably enough proof for them. Depends on the recruiter too. Some want proof (Google) and others were willing to take my word because the counter offer wasn’t outlandish.
      Dec 15, 2021
  • Amazon
    doomfist

    Go to company page Amazon

    doomfist
    I plan on bluffing next time I job search, if I think the company won't ask for a written offer... (I think Google asks?)
    Dec 15, 2021 1
  • Google
    hajrtic

    Go to company page Google

    hajrtic
    If she is hot, and you are also single, why would you say no?
    Dec 15, 2021 0