What do you say when an employer offers a low salary?
Asked by: Lesly Mohr | Last update: October 23, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (55 votes)
How to respond to a low salary offer?
thank you so much for the offer. I'm really excited about the company and the role. I want to be upfront with you that the salary is. lower than I was expecting. based on my skills and experience. I'd like to be at a number more like X dollars. I'm really interested in this opportunity.
How do you handle a lowball salary offer?
If the initial offer is lower than your target, politely negotiate. Emphasize your value and what you can bring to the role. You can also negotiate for better benefits or perks if the salary isn't as high as you'd like. Remain professional throughout the process.
How to politely reject an offer due to low salary?
Be polite but honest. Simply say: I am sorry but that offer is below the market value for my skills. I appreciate the time however for the interview.
What to say when salary range is too low?
Politely and tactfully explain that the salary offered is lower than your requirements or the market rate for the role. You could say something like: ``I appreciate the opportunity, but the salary offered is below my expected range for this type of position based on my experience and expertise.
How Do I Respond To A Low Salary Offer?
Should I accept a job offer with lower pay?
“Just because they offer you a lower salary doesn't mean you have to accept it. You can always try to get closer to your desired salary by negotiating . If they won't budge on base salary, you can negotiate other aspects of the compensation package like bonuses, PTO, or remote work options.”
How do you tell your boss your salary is too low?
4 Make a counteroffer
Be specific, realistic, and flexible. Don't just throw out a random number that is too high or too low. Explain why you deserve a higher salary and how it aligns with the market rate and your value to the employer. Provide evidence of your accomplishments, skills, and potential.
How to politely decline a lowball offer?
Keep your message concise, clear, and respectful. Briefly explain that you have carefully considered the offer but have decided to pursue other opportunities that better align with your career goals and compensation expectations. Maintain a positive tone by expressing your willingness to stay connected.
How do you politely say a job offer is too low?
Example: "Thank you for the offer. I'm very excited about the prospect of joining your team. However, after careful consideration and based on my research on average salaries for this position with my experience level in [location], I was expecting a salary range closer to [your desired range]."
How to negotiate salary if offer is low?
If a company cannot match your salary request, consider asking for an early performance review to quickly show the company how you can be a major asset and why you deserve the requested salary. Showing how your expertise benefits the company can help you negotiate for a raise shortly after earning the position.
What is the best answer for salary negotiation?
- Thank the interviewer.
- Use a delaying tactic to deflect the question.
- If the interviewer insists, provide a salary range.
- Provide a specific number if pressed.
- Show flexibility and openness to negotiation.
What if I accidentally low balled my salary?
Don't wait until your next interview or scheduled conversation with the hiring manager. Email or call back as soon as you realize that you've lowballed yourself. They are likely taking the salary that you agreed to for budget approval, so the sooner you communicate, the better.
How to counter a very low offer?
Acknowledge it's a low ball offer
Then consider what tactic could work best. One approach is to simply say that you're willing to negotiate, but that you need to hear a serious starting offer. Another is to counter-offer with a price that's slightly lower than your asking price – even just $1,000 below it.
How to counter a salary offer?
- Ask for time to make your decision. ...
- Conduct research on industry compensation. ...
- Assess your qualifications and experience. ...
- Review and evaluate the initial offer. ...
- Determine your counteroffer value. ...
- Submit your counteroffer. ...
- Prepare for the employer's response. ...
- Negotiate the offer as needed.
What is your salary expectations' best answer?
It's generally better to give a salary range rather than a specific number when discussing expectations. A range provides flexibility for negotiation while showing you've done your research. Ensure the lower end of your range is a figure you'd be comfortable accepting, and the upper end reflects your ideal scenario.
How to express disappointment in a job offer?
Feel free to adapt this professional job offer rejection template for your role. Dear (Name), Thank you for your recent job offer. Unfortunately, I don't feel the opportunity is right for me at this point in my career, and I am declining it.
How do you respond to a very low salary offer?
You can respectfully decline the offer by saying, “I appreciate the offer and the opportunity to interview with your company. However, after careful consideration, I don't believe the salary meets my current expectations or needs. I hope we can stay in touch for future opportunities.”
How do you respond to a ridiculously low offer?
Being honest and direct is important when you receive a low ball offer and make it clear that you believe the offer to be too far below market value. Do not respond right away; let them know that you will get back to them. Consider what strategy might work best.
How to negotiate salary when given a range?
By using a more direct approach, you are giving your salary range while showing your interest and willingness to negotiate. Keep in mind the employer will see your given range as your ceiling and could try to negotiate down. Base your range on your research and never accept less than your minimum.
How do you politely decline an offer for low salary?
If you're sure that you want to decline, consider saying something like this:"I appreciate the offer and your time, but I can't accept this position at the salary you're offering. If the salary range is something that can be negotiated, please let me know."
How do you make a low offer without insulting?
A low offer may be upsetting to the sellers, but if you and your real estate agent present the offer along with an expression of your appreciation for the property, it's more likely to be accepted than a low offer accompanied by a half-complete contract or an insult about the property's condition.
When to walk away from a job offer?
If the offer they give you can't match your must-haves — even after you've tried negotiating — it might be time to walk away. The second reason a job might not be the right opportunity is that you detect it has a certain environment that wouldn't be best for you.
How to turn down a job offer but keep the door open?
- Respond quickly. A pivotal step in rejecting a job offer is to respond quickly. ...
- Express your gratitude. When writing your decline letter, thank your interviewer and the company for their efforts, time, and the job offer. ...
- Politely decline the offer.
Can you sue for being underpaid?
Yes. If you've been underpaid, you can file claims based on different scenarios: Minimum wage, overtime, illegal deductions, or unpaid reimbursements: File within three years. Oral agreements to pay above minimum wage: File within two years.
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.