Getting a job is probably the most important thing that we have to do. Jobs equate to salary and your salary pays for your everyday living, along with some luxuries and vacations.
When you apply for a job, sometimes you may see the salary advertised as negotiable, or you may have heard someone mention that your salary should be negotiated.
However, we are often apprehensive about negotiating a salary when we have a job offer, simply so we don’t risk having our job offer revoked.
But is there any truth to this fear? Is it possible for a job offer to be taken off the table if we dare to negotiate a salary?
We’re going to find out. This guide will explore this question, along with the best ways to negotiate your salary if you choose to do so.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Salary Negotiation: Can You Lose Your Job Offer?
The simplest answer is yes – it is entirely possible for your job offer to be taken off the table if you negotiate your salary. It’s not a regular occurrence though.
Some hiring managers may feel that you are no longer the right fit for the role that you were provisionally accepted for due to your salary expectations.
This may be because you are not very experienced, or your thoughts towards career progression do not match in line with the employer’s.
However, it is totally understandable that a candidate will want to negotiate their salary, especially when the salary advertised is very low or does not meet a similar role’s salary in the same area.
With this in mind, you should consider the best possible way of negotiating your salary if you’re planning to do so. Therefore, we are going to examine some steps you could take to do this.
Research Is Key: The Role, The Company And The Location
One of the most important things to do when you’re thinking of negotiating your salary is to research the salary expectations based on a number of factors.
Generally, salary offers will differ depending on the location of the job, the company itself and what the role actually is.
Additionally, you’ll need to be realistic with yourself about your own knowledge, experience and abilities if you’ve been offered a job.
Remember, it’s entirely possible for an employer to gamble on hiring you, simply because they like your attitude and general personality – even if you’re inexperienced!
So, think of the following when doing your research:
- Location: Check similar roles and the same roles being advertised in the same area and see their salary that is being advertised. Compare this with other states, cities and towns and assess if there is an obvious salary expectation or if your job offer has a very low salary on the table.
- The company: The company that is offering you the job might have clear set out salary guidelines which will not be negotiable. Some employers have their ideas of how salary will increase based on a structure. Always check to see if the salary is advertised as negotiable and check current employee’s salaries (sometimes listed on websites like Glassdoor).
- The role: Sometimes, a role will have a high or low salary depending on what it is. For example, you can almost always expect to see a high salary offered for specialist technology or medical roles, and usually very low salaries for a waiter/waitress. Check to see the role’s general salary and compare this with the one being offered.
- You: You will have to self assess and understand that if you have little experience or knowledge, your offered salary might be low – but with scope for an increase if you do well in the role.
Don’t Waste Their Time
If you’re going to negotiate your salary, you’ll want to ensure that you’re not taking too long thinking about their offer.
Negotiate promptly and do not waste too much time.
If you take too long, the employer might revoke your offer because they have a role that needs to be filled, and unfortunately – there are plenty of candidates out there ready to accept the role!
Understand The Offer
Before you go straight to negotiating your salary, you’ll want to make sure that you know what the employer is actually offering you overall.
Your salary might not be massive, but you may be offered a great health insurance plan, retirement package or even more vacation time. Always check if your employer is offering extras along with the salary.
Do The Negotiating In Person
Employers will always prefer you negotiate the salary offer in person. They will be able to analyze how you react to certain salary offers, and you can get the offer done and dusted on the same day.
When it comes right down to it, employers don’t like having a role left unfilled.
They need someone to help them out and do not appreciate it if prospective employees are taking too long considering the job offer at home.
Not only this, but it indicates to an employer that you have the confidence to sit in front of them and do something like this.
Know What You’re Going To Say
This point is critical to the success of your counter-offer or negotiation as a whole. You need to ensure that you’ve researched thoroughly, and you know exactly what you’re going to say and do when the time comes for negotiations.
Employers will appreciate it if you come out confidently, clear and with accurate information which helps your expectations.
For example, you could say “I would like to talk about the salary. I appreciate your interest in me, and I am happy with the role – but this same role with X offers $5,000 more per year. Could you possibly match this?”.
This shows that you’re keen, you have done your homework, and you have the confidence to do this. That is a candidate they like.
The Bottom Line
It’s entirely possible for a job offer to be revoked if you negotiate your salary, although it doesn’t occur that often.
To ensure this doesn’t happen to you though, make sure you know what you’re doing and do your homework before you start. Good luck!
