Negotiating a job offer?

[NYEmomma]

Have you ever tried to negotiate the salary/benefits of a job offer? If so, were you successful?

DH was offered a new job (yay!) but it will be a lateral move. That's ok... he'll be happier at the new place and we think it'll offer him more advancement opportunities than his current job.

But the hang up is that they don't offer tuition reimbursement and he's got one year of classes left to complete his MBA. He'll also have to pay back his current company the last year's worth of tuition that they've paid. All in all, we'll be out about $11,000.

We just don't have that kind of money (heck, I've had to save for 2 years to take our budget-minded WDW vacation in October)... so people have suggested that we try to negotiate the job offer.

Neither DH or I have done anything like this before and I'm super awkward when it comes to money so I don't even know how you'd go about it. Would it be reasonable to ask for a "signing bonus"? DH wouldn't necessarily need a higher salary since this is a one-time cost for us. What's the most tactful way to go about asking?

 

[Normangirls]

I'm not offended when candidates negotiate better pay or benefits when we make a job offer, but my boss is. So unless you know for sure that the company you are dealing with will not mind having this conversation, tread very, very carefully.

That being said, you've got to remember that the only one looking out for your best interest is you. Be willing to stand up for yourself and ask for what you need.

Your DH should consider be honest -- just explain to the company recruiting him what you explained here: he's very happy with the offer and is excited to consider coming to work for them, but making the move right now would result in an direct, identifiable monetary loss. Would they consider covering that cost in the form of tuition reimbursement, quarterly bonuses through his first year, or reduced costs for his other benefits?

The worst they can do is withdraw the offer (if they get offended). Best case scenario -- they say yes!

Good luck!

 

[crisi]

I have, and have been successful, but it was in much stronger job markets.

Have him state his concern...."I'm really interested in this job, but my current position offers tuition reimbursement. I have a year left to finish my MBA. Would a signing bonus to make up the difference be acceptable?"

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I agree with the other posters. My husband interviewed for a new job several years ago and he had a "price" in mind that would make the decision to move a no-brainer. The offer came in a little less than he'd hoped for. After mulling it over, he told the HR person that "this would be a really easy decision if the offer was $X." The HR person said, "well let me check with the supervisor and I'll get back to you." The difference wasn't a whole lot but it was no problem for the company to bump their offer up and meet his figure.

The only time to negotiate is when you have not accepted the offer. I think his request is reasonable and he should ask what he wants. It will make him a better employee in the future and eligible to move up and take more responsibility.

 

[princessnoelly]

I don't want to sound negative...but I'm going to, sorry.

This doesn't sound lateral to me- tuition reimbursement is huge and a great perk. What about the other benefits- medical, dental, vacation, unpaid leave, etc.

I would look at the out of pocket cost of these other items too before deciding if it really is a lateral move. IMO, lateral move with a job is equal....no tuition reimbursement means this is a step down.

Sorry to be negative.

But yes, I have negotiated and if you don't ask you don't know. He has a job right now so if they say no you still come out ahead (meaning you don't pay out the 11K).

 

[ccgirl]

Have you ever tried to negotiate the salary/benefits of a job offer? If so, were you successful?

DH was offered a new job (yay!) but it will be a lateral move. That's ok... he'll be happier at the new place and we think it'll offer him more advancement opportunities than his current job.

But the hang up is that they don't offer tuition reimbursement and he's got one year of classes left to complete his MBA. He'll also have to pay back his current company the last year's worth of tuition that they've paid. All in all, we'll be out about $11,000.

We just don't have that kind of money (heck, I've had to save for 2 years to take our budget-minded WDW vacation in October)... so people have suggested that we try to negotiate the job offer.

Neither DH or I have done anything like this before and I'm super awkward when it comes to money so I don't even know how you'd go about it. Would it be reasonable to ask for a "signing bonus"? DH wouldn't necessarily need a higher salary since this is a one-time cost for us. What's the most tactful way to go about asking?

I have and find honesty is the best policy. I would just tell them, I currently have tuition reimbursement and have one year left. Can the company reimburse a year tuition?

I negotiated for a good deal more $$$. The job was much further from my house and I needed to take that into consideration.

I have also negotiated an extra week of vacation.

All of those times, I knew what the "going rate/benefits" were of each position.

Good luck.

 

[apnep]

I have twice and all I can say is to just be honest and ask for what you want up front because you're most likely not gonna get it later. If 11K is what you're going to be out for tuition (and everything else is comparable or better), I would just be upfront, tell them your situation and ask for a signing bonus to pay for your education. The worst they can do is say no and if they do then maybe it wasn't meant to be? I'm with the other poster who said tuition reimbursement isn't something I would let go of either, especially if you're only a year away...

Good luck!

 

[NYEmomma]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I passed it onto DH and am helping him come up with the right words to convey what we're thinking (he's not the most well-spoken person in the world... that's where I come in, lol!)

I don't want to sound negative...but I'm going to, sorry.

This doesn't sound lateral to me- tuition reimbursement is huge and a great perk. What about the other benefits- medical, dental, vacation, unpaid leave, etc.

I would look at the out of pocket cost of these other items too before deciding if it really is a lateral move. IMO, lateral move with a job is equal....no tuition reimbursement means this is a step down.

Sorry to be negative.

But yes, I have negotiated and if you don't ask you don't know. He has a job right now so if they say no you still come out ahead (meaning you don't pay out the 11K).

You're right -- when you take into consideration the tuition reimbursement, that's a big loss. If DH weren't 3 classes away from graduation, I'd say it was a deal-breaker.

The job is lateral in pay, better benefits though (tuition aside) & more flexibility. The most important thing though is that it's a more positive work environment. And offers a better opportunity for advancement. DH is just miserable (actually, just outright depressed) going to his job every day. He's asked time and time again for a raise/promotion to be more in-line with what newer employees with LESS experience & skills are making. The company's completely unresponsive and just overall doesn't make their employees feel valued.

For DH to be happier -- as long as we can find a way to work out the tuition thing, even just partially -- the job change is well worth it.

 

[Arielle22]

I agree with the poster who said it should only be done if he hasn't already accepted the job offer. Otherwise it may be viewed as bait and switch.

 

[nettekay]

I had a friend who just did this. Her husband was recruited and would have had to pay back tuition to his current job if he left. (He was 1 month short of the time frame where there would be no payback) He talked with the new company and they agreed to pick up the cost of the payback to gain him as an employee. I say it can't hurt to ask!!

good luck!!

 

[seashoreCM]

I regret not negotiating a job offer prior to acceptance. This was for my first job out of school.

I'll just put in some random numbers. I was going through a placement agency. I was looking for a salary of 18 which had no more rhyme or reason other than that others in my graduating class were getting 18. The headhunter suggested putting in a range of 15 to 20 which was probably mistake #1 on my part. The company offered 16. I didn't know what to say and I turned down the offer without giving a reason which could be considered mistake #2 on my part. The agency rep did express displeasure.

Now if I had counteroffered my 18 then at least the agency and the company might have worked something out and everyone would be at least half happy.

 

[sharbear]

My H just hired someone and he negotiated vacation time. It was for someone who had lots of experience and would be leaving a job with a lot of vacation accrued. He would not be able to negotiate something such as tuition reimbursement as that would be something above his pay grade lol! It doesn't hurt to ask, all they can say is no.

My S just received a job offer. He did not negotiate anything even though a friend received an offer at a small increase. His offer was very fair and he is grateful for any job. He (and we) thought that his offer was very near what he should be getting.