How To Ask For More Money In A Job Offer

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How to ask for more money when you receive a job offer

Alex Devenney

Talking about money can often be an awkward topic, especially when discussing with potential employers.

While some employers advertise their jobs with a salary and benefits package, others may instead state 'competitive salary'. In this case, employers are likely to ask what your salary expectations are.

New York career coach Ellis Chase explains that your employer should fall in love with you before talking money.

If your prospective employer loves you; they may be willing to negotiate increasing the salary offer as they see your value.

When asking for more money with a job offer, there's more to consider than a negotiation strategy.

Here's what you need to do.

What to do when you first receive a job offer?

When you first receive a job offer, you must be positive. Leading with enthusiasm is important to show your interest and that you're grateful for the offer. Otherwise, you risk insulting the employer and burning bridges.

Take some time to consider the offer before accepting. This will ensure you avoid jumping into negotiations unprepared.

You should already have a fairly good idea of your minimum and ideal salary requirements, so weigh these up alongside the salary and benefits package offered, to work out what to negotiate.

Some important guidelines to follow when negotiating are:

Be persistent without being a nuisance
Find reasons to back up your requests, without being petty
Prove that your request is of fair value, without being greedy

How to evaluate if your salary request is fair

You can find out whether your salary offer is fair by reviewing average salaries from your sector and location, Or, by searching for job vacancies with a similar job title to see what they advertise.

If you have great qualifications and experience then you may be in a position to ask for a higher than average salary.

Negotiating the salary

How you negotiate the salary depends on whether you are applying for the role directly through the employer, or via a recruitment agency. However, either way, you need to lay out your needs.

If you're obtaining a job through a recruiter, the person handling the vacancy should manage your expectations effectively as they are specialists in your market. They will also know whether this company would be willing to negotiate on salary and benefits.

If you're applying through the employer, you love the organisation and the only thing that's holding you back in the salary, emphasise that you want to come on board, but you're unable to justify it because of the salary.

Be specific, honest and realistic with your salary request. There's no point asking for two grand more, when really you want three or four.

If the new employer is unwilling to negotiate on salary and you still want the job, try to negotiate the benefits package. This ensures they meet your other needs, for example, via flexible working or childcare vouchers.

How to ask for more money

Here's an example of a pay rise request.

Lead with your statement: "I believe I'm valued at X instead of Y…"

Back up with reasons: "…this is because I'm more than capable to produce results, such as Z."

Show evidence: Mention specific details about your skills, abilities, experiences and value that are relevant to the role's responsibilities. You may even go a step further and have the physical evidence with you as proof. Show them an offer they can't refuse.

Negotiating your salary with a promotion

The aim of negotiating with your current employer is to show them that you deserve the higher wage. Not that you simply want more money.

Follow the same preparation and negotiation format as negotiating a job offer. Research, carry yourself professionally and know what you're talking about.

If your boss rejects a higher salary request, don't be afraid to ask why. It's important to find out if it's because they don't think you're worthy of the higher wage, there is a company freeze on wages or if they'd prefer to introduce a bonus scheme.

In conclusion, the three most important aspects of asking an employer for a higher salary in a job offer are preparation, evidence and confidence.

Show the employer you know what you're talking about. And, always prepare for an employer to say no to your request. You want to maintain a professional persona throughout this process.

If you really think they're treating you unfairly with a low wage offer, the company may not be for you. And it might be time to search for another job.