Offers and pay · 6 min read
How do I negotiate a job offer?
Thank them, ask for time, make one clear request backed by research, and be ready to trade. Most reasonable requests don't lose offers.
The short answer
Thank them for the offer and ask for a day or two to review it. Then make one clear request backed by your research: 'I'm excited about the role. Based on similar roles and my experience with X, I was hoping for £50,000. Is there flexibility?' If base pay is fixed, ask about something else: a signing bonus, an earlier review, extra holiday or training budget. Keep the tone warm. Employers rarely withdraw offers over a polite, reasonable request.
On this page 4 sections
The four steps
- Thank them and show enthusiasm. Ask when they need an answer.
- Compare the offer with your researched range and the full package.
- Make one clear request with a number and a reason.
- Listen, trade if needed, and get the final offer in writing.
What else you can ask for
- A signing bonus to bridge a gap in base pay.
- A pay review at six months with written goals.
- Extra holiday or flexible hours.
- A training or conference budget.
- A later or earlier start date.
A script
'Thank you, I'm really keen on this role. Looking at similar roles in the area and the scope we discussed, I was hoping for £50,000. Is there any flexibility on the base? If not, I'd be glad to talk about a six-month review.'
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Questions people ask
- Can negotiating make them withdraw the offer?
- It's rare when the request is polite and grounded in research. The risk rises with ultimatums, very large gaps or repeated rounds.
- Should I negotiate by email or phone?
- Either. A call feels warmer; email gives you time to word it. Many people do the conversation by phone and confirm by email.
- How much more should I ask for?
- Ask for your researched target, often 5 to 10% above the offer if it was below market. Give a specific number, not 'a bit more'.
- What if they say no?
- Ask whether anything else in the package can move, or for a pay review after six months with agreed goals. Then decide.
- Should I negotiate my first job?
- You can, but graduate schemes often have fixed pay. Holiday, start date or relocation help may still be flexible.
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