Vent: I used to just take the first job offer that came my way

I used to be terrible at negotiating job offers. I would get so excited someone wanted me that I'd sign the first paper they put in front of me without even reading the benefits package. That changed about two years ago after I took a role at a small firm in Portland for $48k, then found out my coworker with the same title was making $58k. I was furious but also realized it was my own fault for not asking. Now I always wait at least 24 hours before responding to any offer, and I ask for a breakdown of the salary, bonus, and PTO in writing. My last job hop I negotiated an extra $4k and an extra week of vacation just by saying 'is that the best you can do?' Has anyone else ever kicked themselves for taking the first number?

3 comments

3 Comments

dianaanderson28d ago

48k vs 58k for the same title is a gut punch but it taught me the same lesson the hard way. I always ask for a benefits breakdown in writing now too, and I also email back a polite "can you do any better on the salary" just to see what happens. That one sentence has gotten me more money or PTO almost every time.

emery_white28d ago

You got lucky, that's all that happened. Most places don't have that extra money hiding in a drawer waiting for someone to ask. They set their budget and their offer is what it is. All that asking for more just makes you look greedy before you even start. I've seen guys negotiate themselves right out of a job because the boss got annoyed and moved on to the next candidate. And what if they give you the money but cut your training or take away some perk you didn't notice yet? That polite email might get you a couple grand but it could cost you a better long term situation. Sometimes the smartest move is to take the offer and prove yourself first.

julia54928d ago

My friend actually had the same thing happen, asked for a benefits breakdown like @dianaanderson said, and found out their 401k match was way lower than the other offer. They sent that one polite email asking if they could do better and got an extra 2k plus a signing bonus. It really is wild how just asking can change things.