A lot of people quit looking for work, when they have found a job ~ Zig Ziglar. Well, it must have taken you a long time to find a job. Spending grueling amount of time and money in submitting application forms, attending interviews, travelling and meeting relevant people and doing a thorough research of what you’re really looking for – this is the never-ending vicious circle of employment. Ok, so after what seems like forever, you finally land the right job that matches your skill sets and qualifications. Everything pleases you but the pay. Sounds familiar? Yes, a very common problem it is! And what do you do? You still accept the job with open hands. Usually, when you have been selected for a job, an offer letter with the possible salary is given to you in writing. If you are happy with the offer, then stop reading this article right now! But, if you’re not, then our role of telling you how you can politely draft a letter back to the employer stating the altered and negotiable figures that you think are correct, comes into play. Your recruitment in-charge will, in all probability, be expecting this, so there is nothing to worry about except how to put the request forward professionally. Remember, changes by the job seniors can be made for or against your will and it all depends on how badly you want the job! View the next section for some tips on the same.
Job Offer Counter Letter Tips
One of the most valid negotiable things about an offer letter is the salary. Here are some tips on how to bargain your way into the figures you deserve!
- Once the initial offer has been drawn out in front of you, don’t immediately call and make hasty decisions. Review and consider the options you have with respect to the position in mind. There are certain tools on the web which take into account your experience, length of service and job title etc to calculate an approximate of what you should expect. Use them judiciously!
- Keep in mind the benefits, performance bonuses and relocation expenses. If everything has been covered in the salary and yet you are dissatisfied with the amount, then go ahead and let them know.
- One crucial thing to remember is that the best time to make any sort of negotiation is between the time when the employer makes the offer and the time you take to accept it. It is almost impossible to make amends once the offer has already been accepted by you.
- Coming to framing the letter, make sure that you use simple language so that there is no misinterpretation. It is easiest to make headings and fill them up if necessary. Have you heard of the term “haggle”? For the sake of your own self esteem, try not to do this! We’re talking money with serious and matured individuals here, not bargains at the local store!
- Be professional at all times. Try not to bring in emotional blackmail in the middle of the letter! This letter can add to your credibility and strengthen your image in front of the employer if drafted well and vice versa. So, beware!
Sample Salary Counter Offer:
*Name of the sender*
*Address of the sender*
*Date*
*Designation of the relevant person*
*Address of hiring company*
Dear Ms. /Mr.…..
I am delighted to have received this job offer for the post of *insert job title* at *insert company name*. This looks like an excellent position and is in accordance with my interest and skills. I am very excited and looking forward to working here.
Although, this seems a bit unusual on my part, I was hoping we could get together and discuss the possibility of a slight variation in my salary as I have done some research on it and find your offer a bit less. If you could include commission to the base salary then the gesture will be very much appreciated.
Please let me know as this will help me in making my decision about acceptance of this offer.
Looking forward to hear from you,
Sincerely yours,
*Name of sender*
This is one of the ways that a counter proposal can be created and presented to the employer. Just make sure you compromise at the right time before it’s too late!
