How to Respond to a Low Salary Offer

It can be tough to successfully get through a great interview (or performance review) only to be greeted with a low salary offer.

So what do you do if you’re put in this situation?

Well…

Rule #1 is to keep your cool…

Rule #2 is to make sure you don’t immediately accept a low salary offer…

And…

Rule #3 is to have a strategy in place (that you have rehearsed) so that you can counter any low-ball offer…

And take responsibility for yourself.

As a Career Success Coach for Women on a MISSION….

I am all about arming you with strategies so that you’re prepared and purposeful about negotiating the best deals for you and your career.

So let’s get into it…

Here are 7 steps to ensure you push back on low salary offers…

Whilst maintaining rapport…

So that you put yourself in the strongest possible position.

 

How to Respond to a Low Salary Offer in 7 Steps

Step #1 – Pitch High But Be Reasonable

So long as you have done your groundwork, and have a decent understanding of your market value, you can – and should – push back on a low salary offer.

Be sensible though:

You want to pitch high whilst being optimistically realistic as well.

There’s nothing worse than pitching ridiculously high, based on no fact at all.

 

Step #2 – Back Yourself

Smile, make good eye contact and be polite.

Resist the urge to say a lot or to ramble; remember, you never need to justify yourself.

 

Step #3 – Focus on Your ROI to Counter a Low Salary Offer

Be succinct, factual and use a friendly, but assertive tone when you reply:

“Thank you for your offer. However, having done extensive research, I believe that’s actually below market value. And I believe with my experience/ expertise/ skillset I will be adding exceptional value above that median level.”

You might add,

“You want a return on your investment by hiring me. Well, I have a track record of delivering XYZ (share KPIs you have hit e.g. increasing market share / increasing retention / raising the visibility of the organisation etc) and I do it by XYZ (share how you do it e.g. including and collaborating with others / being relentless and committed / going above and beyond / driving an exceptional customer experience).”

By sharing your ability to deliver great results…

Whilst also painting an image of how you’ll show up (were they to hire you)…

You are giving the hiring manager both emotional and rational reasons to hire you which helps to justify your higher salary request.

 

 

Step #4 – Use Silence to Your Advantage

Once you have shared this with them, stay silent whilst continuing to make good eye contact and keep your face relaxed.

Avoid the urge to ramble 🙂

Your silence will compel them to speak.

 

Step #5 – Have a Sliding Scale

They might now ask what salary you’re expecting.

You’ll already have a sliding scale in mind, with your highest number above market value.

And, here’s the smart bit:

The lower number on your scale should still be a $ value you’d be happy accepting.

Pitch high when you respond to give yourself a little wiggle room to negotiate backwards if you need to.

 

Step #6 – Look Beyond Your Base Salary

Remember too that your remuneration package can easily extend beyond your base salary…

Which can add significant value to your agreement such as a performance bonus, options, health cover, travel budget, training budget, wellbeing or leave days.

Make sure you take these elements into account when negotiating too.

 

 

Step #7 – You Are Worth The Salary

Keep yourself focused on the fact that you work hard, get results and add tremendous value.

Your salary should be a fair reflection of that effort.

It’s far easier to take the ‘easy’ route and back down, concede or accept low salary offers but remember, you’ll be living with that salary for a while and you must feel valued for you to continue to deliver great results and enjoy the work you do.

It’s always important to respond positively to a low salary offer.

And a simple 5 minute conversation might be all it takes to land that salary you deserve…

So what are you waiting for?

For a complete pay rise negotiation strategy toolkit, get ‘The Perfect Pay Rise Script‘ right here and negotiate with total ease.

You’re welcome! 😉

Rebecca x

 

 

Related Blogs:

How to Negotiate a Better Financial Package with guest Tiffany Kirkwood, Executive General Manager Hastings Deering

Your Peer is Paid More Than You?! How to Get Strategic About Being Paid Properly with Rebecca Allen, Career Success Coach for Corporate Women

 

Rebecca Allen is a Career Success Coach for corporate women and has coached hundreds of women to negotiate better financial deals for themselves. She has 13 years’ experience working with clients from companies including J.P. Morgan, PwC, Coca-Cola Amatil, ANZ, IHS Markit. Her practical 1:1 coaching programs and group coaching courses will help you land your dream job; build credibility and raise visibility; and fast track your career.