How much should I negotiate after my first offer?

Asked by: Isaias Franecki  |  Last update: April 30, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (60 votes)

Overall, we recommend that you start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above the initial salary. If the pay is in-line with average pay, but you believe you can negotiate based on your skills and experience, consider a range between 5-7% above.

How much to negotiate after the first offer?

Entry-level base salaries are usually subject to no more than 10 percent of the original salary offered. Note that many top employers have set, non-negotiable salaries at this level. Mid-level positions typically have a negotiation range of between 10 and 20 percent.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation?

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

Is a 20% counter offer too much?

A good range for a counter is between 10% and 20% above their initial offer.

Is it OK to negotiate salary after accepting offer?

It can be worth trying to negotiate your salary even after accepting an offer, but it requires a delicate approach. If you have gained new information that justifies a higher salary or if your responsibilities have increased, it might be reasonable to reopen the conversation.

How Do I Negotiate Salary?

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How to negotiate salary after initial offer?

First, express your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for the initial offer. Next, make your case for a higher salary by highlighting your experience and skills. Ideally, you should also provide market research that supports your request.

Do employers expect you to negotiate salary?

In fact, because they expect job candidates to negotiate salary, employers typically offer somewhat less than they are willing to pay. Here are some dos and don'ts from negotiation experts on how to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer.

Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?

“First, understand that companies expect you to negotiate. If you're respectful, realistic, and strategic when negotiating salary, there is little risk that you'll lose the job offer entirely,” said Cole.

What is a respectable counter offer?

Making a counter offer at a 10 to 20 percent higher value than the initial offer is considered a reasonable range, especially if the initial offer is in the low salary range for similar positions.

What is an appropriate salary to negotiate?

Overall, we recommend that you start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above the initial salary. If the pay is in-line with average pay, but you believe you can negotiate based on your skills and experience, consider a range between 5-7% above.

What not to say in salary negotiation?

"Sorry" According to Doody, "negotiating is uncomfortable, and our natural tendency is to try to smooth the edges on a difficult conversation. Saying sorry could signal to the recruiter or hiring manager that you might be willing to back down, and that could be expensive. Don't apologize for negotiating."

How much salary to ask for a new job?

The tip here is provide a specific number, not a salary range. Since employers will default to the bottom number of your range anyway, stick with providing just one number that you're targeting. In reality, this number should be 8% to 15% higher than your ideal number that you're keeping to yourself.

What is the first step you should take when negotiating your salary?

Research your market value.

The first step to successfully negotiating your salary is to learn the salary range for your position and identify your target salary. The salary range is your “market value,” or the price people are willing to pay for the kind of work that you do.

How much can you negotiate from initial offer?

Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.

Is the first offer usually the best offer?

I always tell my clients from personal experience that your first offer is usually your best offer,” Napolitano says. When there's limited inventory and high buyer demand, sellers generally have more leverage and buyers are typically willing to offer the asking price at the very least when the home hits the market.

How do you politely say the salary is too low?

I am quite excited and intrigued by the position and the opportunity to work for such a great company. However, the salary is lower than I was expecting, considering my background and experience. I would be more comfortable if the amount was closer to $X, and I would really like to see if we can make this work.”

What is considered a reasonable offer?

“The rule I've always followed is to never go more than 25% below the listed price,” he says. “Chances are, after fees, commission, and sentimental value, the sellers are already hurting. If you dip below that point, they may disregard your offer entirely.”

How to politely counter offer salary?

Tips for negotiating a counteroffer
  1. Be kind, patient and professional: You should be clear and firm when conveying what you want, but avoid coming off as aggressive.
  2. Be willing to compromise: Consider perks other than the salary and be willing to come to a compromise if the company is a great fit for you.

How do you negotiate salary after receiving a job offer?

Then start planning for a job offer negotiation.
  1. Schedule a conversation with the right person to negotiate with. ...
  2. Gather data. ...
  3. Talk to your future coworkers. ...
  4. Prioritize what you want to get out of negotiating. ...
  5. Prepare your bargaining chips. ...
  6. Write out a strategy based on your ideal outcome. ...
  7. Stay polite during your conversation.

Does HR expect you to negotiate?

Negotiating your compensation package can be a stressful experience for many, however most employers expect candidates will negotiate their offer. Whatever you accept as compensation sets a tone for your time at that employer and a starting point for your earnings, so it's important to know what you want.

How long to hear back after a counter offer?

A reasonable amount of time to respond to a counter offer is within 24-48 hours. This allows the employer to make a well-informed decision and also shows respect for the candidate's time. It might take a few days in certain situations, like when a budget needs to be approved.

How to ask for a bigger raise than offered?

How to negotiate a raise
  1. Research salary data for your position. ...
  2. Reflect on your achievements. ...
  3. Practice negotiating with friends or family. ...
  4. Start with a higher figure. ...
  5. Establish a timeline. ...
  6. Discuss alternative benefits. ...
  7. Thank them for their time. ...
  8. Don't apologize.

Should you accept the first salary offer?

Just as experts often advise job candidates to never accept an employer's first offer for a salary, an employer may counter your desired salary with a new number. You can choose to accept the employer's counter offer or negotiate further.

How to respond to a low salary offer?

How to respond to a low salary offer
  1. Ask for time. ...
  2. Understand your minimum acceptable salary. ...
  3. Conduct research. ...
  4. Make a plan. ...
  5. Practice negotiations. ...
  6. Show enthusiasm. ...
  7. Negotiate for early performance reviews. ...
  8. Focus on your skills and expertise.

What salary should I ask for?

Make sure you think about the minimum salary you would be willing to take. Along with factoring in your level of experience, think about your cost of living. Making sure your salary can cover all of your expenses is a top priority when accepting a job offer.