Responding To A Job Offer With A Request For More

Got a lowball offer? Here's the script that got me more (without risking the job) You've been searching for months The offer finally comes But!? It is 25% below your expectations You need this job A lot of people accept it or walk away. But there is a third option. I have faced this exact scenario. The initial offer was significantly below market rate and my own expectations… Here's what I did: First, I acknowledged their offer with genuine enthusiasm about the role. No negativity. No disappointment in my tone. Then I shared data: • 3 comparable roles at similar companies • My specific achievements that justified higher comp • The unique value I'd bring to their team The key phrasing that changed everything: "I'm incredibly excited about this opportunity. Based on my research and the value I'll deliver, I believe $X would be fair. Can we work together to get closer to that number?" Not "I need" or "I want" "I believe" and "Can we work together" They came back with 18% more than the original offer. My manager later told me they appreciated my collaborative approach. Most candidates either accept immediately or make demands. The truth about negotiation: Companies expect it They budget for it They respect it when done professionally Your move isn't about being greedy It's about establishing your value from day one What nobody tells you — The biggest risk isn't them pulling the offer It's you starting a job already feeling undervalued Have you negotiated an offer recently? Help others out — What worked for you?

If you accept the first salary offer, you just left money on the table. Most people do this. They get an offer, and instead of pushing back some… they just take it. That’s exactly what one of my students almost did, until I showed them how to negotiate like they should. Here’s what happened: They were working as a Systems Engineer and landed an offer for $10K more than their current salary. Not bad, right? But then they did some research. The market rate for their role was actually $10K-$20K HIGHER than what they were offered. So they came to me and said, “Broadus, I know I deserve more, but how do I ask for it?” This is what I told them: You don’t just ask for more money. You PROVE why you’re worth it. Here’s the exact script I gave them: 👉🏾 Hey [Recruiter’s Name], based on my research and experience, I’d love to revisit the salary discussion. Here are four key reasons why: 1️⃣ I’ve been in an engineering role for over a year and a half, gaining the necessary experience. 2️⃣ During interviews, hiring managers told me I exceeded expectations. 3️⃣ As an internal hire, I understand the company’s process, reducing ramp-up time. 4️⃣ I already have 70-80% of the required skills for this position. Based on industry data, this role in my location typically pays between $X and $Y. 👉🏾 What are the chances we can meet at [$X] instead? And guess what? The recruiter came back with a $10K increase. Here’s why this works: 👉🏾 It’s a logical, value-based argument, not an emotional plea. 👉🏾 It provides specific proof, you’re showing, not just telling. 👉🏾 It uses market data, you’re backing your ask with facts. 👉🏾 It’s a COLLABORATION, not a demand, the phrase “What are the chances?” makes it a discussion. If you’re about to negotiate your salary, do these three things: ✅ Research your salary range (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, LinkedIn Salary Insights). ✅ List out your key value points, what makes you the best choice? ✅ Use this script and ask with confidence. The first offer? It’s NEVER their best offer. Negotiate. Ask. Demand your worth. If you want more real-world strategies to land high-paying cloud roles, drop a "Script" in the comments, and I will send you a script you can use on your negotiations!

Got a PE-backed job offer but feeling underwhelmed? As we head into the weekend, here’s how to navigate this. You crushed the interviews. You clicked with the team. Then the verbal offer came in… and it’s a letdown. - Base salary is $25K below expectations - Bonus is light - Equity feels short First, take a breath. This is actually a GOOD thing. You won! You got the offer. Now, let's get strategic and navigate this ship. I always start every negotiation with one key question: "What am I trying to achieve?" Define your goals and know your hills to die on--and WHY. Next, don’t blame. Strategize. Maybe numbers got lost in translation. Maybe investors expected a negotiation. It DOESN'T matter. What matters is what you do next. Know your facts before negotiating: - Did you discuss a range? If so, where does this fall? - What’s your real goal? Is it more base? More bonus? More equity? - Do you WANT this job? Or, are you prepared to walk? - Would you accept, even if slightly disappointed? Smart negotiation = facts + flexibility. "I want more" won’t cut it. Bring data. - What is the market paying for this role / industry / size of PortCo? Ask a headhunter in the space. - Be creative. Perhaps keep the base lower but push for upside (PE loves this). - Propose performance-based equity tiers (hit X, get Y% - PE REALLY loves this). Stay excited! You want this job. They want you. Frame the conversation as a win-win: "Hey [Partner's Name], first off, thank you. I’m pumped about this opportunity and already thinking about how we can win together. After reviewing the offer, I’d love to explore a few tweaks that align incentives and set us up for success. Here’s what I was thinking…" Negotiating a job offer is like getting engaged. If you love the relationship but the ring is smaller than expected, you don't toss it in the ocean... maybe just negotiate less time with the in-laws. 😉 #GVentures #PrivateEquity #ExecutiveSearch #NegotiationTips #CompensationStrategy