Tribe's Head of Sales & Marketing, Cameron King, shares his tips on negotiating a job offer.
I have worked in recruitment for 13 years now and negotiating a job offer at the end of a recruitment process is a very common theme. From my experience, it usually goes one of two ways - either positively and smoothly or horribly wrong. It’s an important part of the recruitment process to get right in order to start your next career opportunity off on the right foot.
You generally have three options:
- Accept the position on their terms
- Negotiate the offer with the aim of accepting
- Decline the offer
Negotiating a job offer is usually not just a straightforward process as there are lots of different aspects involved. From my experience, you can usually mitigate many of the complications and challenges upfront by being very clear with the employer or recruiter at the start of the process about your expectations. I always say, “there shouldn’t be any secrets at the end if everyone is open, transparent and sets the expectations upfront”.
Below are some job offer negotiation tips that will help you get the most out of your next big role.
Do your research and know your value
Research - before you engage in an interview process, it’s important to understand what the market is paying for your particular skill set and experience. Do your research, look at recent salary guides online, speak to a few reputable recruiters to get their opinions and also speak to other colleagues within the industry. This will give you a salary package range to work with and manage your expectations
Your value – be clear on the value you bring to the company. Tier the value of the salary you are requesting to the impact you will make on the company in a quantifiable manner. Help the employer see they are getting a great deal when it comes to return on investment
Consider the first offer as a starting point
Most people think they need to either accept or decline an offer on the spot. This is not the case and you usually have a few days to up to a week to consider the offer. It’s important to let your prospective employer know that you are excited to receive an offer and that you just need some time to evaluate the offer before giving them an answer.
When you negotiate a higher amount, be prepared with reasons and evidence of why you deserve more. Don’t make the critical mistake of saying you’re the best person they’re going to find for the position.
When making a counteroffer, be aware that your expectations may not be fulfilled. Remember, negotiations are two-way. Showing that you are willing to compromise will stand you in better stead for a future working with the company.
Negotiate more than money
Know your salary expectations and deal breakers. Have a mental list of areas where you are flexible, so if necessary, you can give without losing ground. An employer may have a hard limit on salary but have more flexibility on hours of work, working from home, annual leave, bonus (sign-on bonus), relocation expenses, salary review, carpark, job title etc. There are actually loads of things you can negotiate outside of the base salary, which will have different priorities for people depending on your lifestyle or family situation. Think about what’s important for you.
When you decide to accept
Once you have negotiated the offer make sure you get everything in writing, first by email and then in a formal employment agreement/contract. You can also get this checked with an employment lawyer if this is an area where you don’t have a lot of experience or understanding to give you some comfort.
Negotiating a job offer is a pivotal part of the hiring process, giving you the chance to shape the terms of your new role to suit your goals. When considering a position, you may want to start by assessing the offer and deciding if it meets your expectations or if you should negotiate further. How to negotiate a job offer starts with understanding your market value—research salary ranges for your skills and experience, talk to recruiters, and speak with colleagues in your field to gauge where your compensation should lie. Once you know your value, you’re in a better position to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer. Keep in mind that the initial offer is often just a starting point; politely express your appreciation and ask for time to evaluate it. If you decide to make a counteroffer for salary or benefits, be prepared with specific reasons and evidence. Remember, your expectations may not all be met, so showing a willingness to compromise during the negotiation after job offer will help you start off on the right foot.
While salary is often the focus, there are many other aspects you can negotiate, particularly if the salary limit is firm. Negotiating job benefits can make a big difference in your work-life balance and satisfaction. Consider flexible options, such as additional annual leave, remote work arrangements, a parking spot, relocation expenses, or a sign-on bonus. If you’re interested in a contract role, you might explore how to negotiate a contract job offer and ensure you’re clear about terms that support your needs and lifestyle. Thinking beyond salary allows for a balanced discussion that shows you’re focused on both your needs and the company’s goals. If your preferred start date is non-standard, then understanding how to negotiate the start date for a new job can be valuable; it’s often negotiable and can give you the time you need to transition smoothly.
Once an agreement is reached, ensure all terms, including salary, benefits, and start date, are documented in writing. If you’ve ever wondered, "Can I negotiate salary after accepting a job offer?" the answer is typically no, as it's best to finalise these details before you formally accept. Always get the terms confirmed by email first and then in the official employment contract. If you’re unsure about any part of the agreement, consult an employment lawyer for guidance. Being thorough with documentation and final checks helps secure an offer that aligns with your expectations and sets a positive foundation for your new role.
