What is an appropriate counter offer?

Asked by: Emily Kemmer  |  Last update: June 1, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (47 votes)

For most entry-level positions, the lower start of the range will be the most appropriate pay bracket. If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher.

What is a good counter offer?

Make that case along with a counteroffer of 10-20% above their initial offer. 10% is what I would call a pretty standard counter, while 20% is pretty aggressive.

Is a 20% counter offer too much?

A good range for a counter is between 10% and 20% above their initial offer.

How do you politely counter an offer?

You can use the following steps as guidance when countering a job offer to negotiate your compensation:
  1. Ask for time to make your decision. ...
  2. Conduct research on industry compensation. ...
  3. Assess your qualifications and experience. ...
  4. Review and evaluate the initial offer. ...
  5. Determine your counteroffer value. ...
  6. Submit your counteroffer.

What is a valid counter offer?

A counteroffer functions as both a rejection of an offer to enter into a contract , as well as a new offer that materially changes the terms of the original offer. Because a counteroffer serves as a rejection, it completely voids the original offer. Thus, the original offer can no longer be accepted .

Should I Accept A Counter Offer From My Employer? Counter Offer Advice From A Recruiter

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What is a counter offer example?

Some common examples include: An offeree proposing a lower price for goods or services offered by the original offeror. A prospective employee requesting a higher salary, additional benefits, or changes in job responsibilities during a job offer negotiation.

What is a typical counter offer in real estate?

A counter-offer is a form of negotiation during a real estate transaction. It comes in response to an earlier offer to buy a home: Typically, the seller responds to a prospective buyer's bid on the home with a higher price and/or different terms.

What salary should I ask for?

Overall, we recommend that you start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above the initial salary. If the pay is in-line with average pay, but you believe you can negotiate based on your skills and experience, consider a range between 5-7% above.

Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?

“First, understand that companies expect you to negotiate. If you're respectful, realistic, and strategic when negotiating salary, there is little risk that you'll lose the job offer entirely,” said Cole.

Should you say yes to a counter offer?

80% of people leave within 6 months of accepting a counter offer – it's a stat for a reason! The trust with your current employer will be broken and your previously untarnished loyalty will be questioned. Most employers promise great things if you accept the counter offer, but rarely are they fulfilled.

What is a reasonable salary negotiation?

Note that many top employers have set, non-negotiable salaries at this level. Mid-level positions typically have a negotiation range of between 10 and 20 percent. Higher-level management and executive positions offer the greatest opportunities for negotiation.

Do companies expect you to counter offer?

While many employers try not to lowball you off the bat, it's fairly common for companies to expect job seekers to counter.

What is a good salary range to give?

When you write your salary requirements, you should include a range and not a specific sum. For instance, if you would like to make $35,000, then you should state that your salary requirements are between $30,000 and $40,000, rather than $35,000. This way, there is an opportunity to negotiate.

What to say when negotiating salary?

I've done some research on the market value for this position and am seeing salaries a bit higher than what you've offered. I believe I bring excellent (list key skills) to the table, and would love to know if you're open to discussing the starting salary for this position.”

Can a counter offer be made after acceptance?

This is not valid acceptance because it does not mirror the offer. It is a counter offer which can then be accepted or rejected by the original offeror, or met with a further counter offer. The parties can continue to make counter offers until a consensus has been reached.

How to counter offer on price?

Overall, the research offers valuable advice to buyers: When deciding how to counter offer a seller's initial price, you are likely to get a better deal if you accompany your counteroffer with information about your financial constraints than if you try to diminish the value of what's being sold.

Do employers expect you to negotiate salary?

Unless the employer explicitly stipulates that their offers are nonnegotiable, that's typically a mistake. In fact, because they expect job candidates to negotiate salary, employers typically offer somewhat less than they are willing to pay.

How to ask for a counter offer politely?

To ask for a counter offer politely, start by expressing your gratitude for the job offer and your enthusiasm about the opportunity. Then, explain your reasons for seeking a counter offer, emphasizing your qualifications and what you can bring to the organization.

How to respond to a low salary offer?

Here is a list of steps on how to respond to a low salary offer:
  1. Ask for time. Whether the company presents the offer to you in person or through an email, it's important to ask for some time to process it and get back to them. ...
  2. Understand your minimum acceptable salary. ...
  3. Conduct research. ...
  4. Make a plan. ...
  5. Practice negotiations.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation?

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

What is a reasonable counter offer?

How much should you counter offer salary? Making a counter offer at a 10 to 20 percent higher value than the initial offer is considered a reasonable range, especially if the initial offer is in the low salary range for similar positions.

What is the best answer to expected salary?

Say you're flexible.

You can try to skirt the question with a broad answer, such as, “My salary expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications.” Or, “If this is the right job for me, I'm sure we can come to an agreement on salary.” This will show that you're willing to negotiate.

What is considered a lowball offer?

What is considered a lowball offer? As a rule, anything below 10 percent of the initial asking price is considered a lowball offer. A lowball offer for a house listed at $500,000 would fall around $450,000. That being said, the market determines what is considered low balling.

What things could go wrong in a counter offer situation?

The risk in making a counter-offer is that if the buyer has changed his or her mind and rejects the counter-offer, you don't have the option to return to the original offer and accept it.

What is an example of a counter offer?

Counteroffer at the Workplace

The new company offers you 10% higher pay and five extra vacation days. You tell your current employer what you now have on the table and ask them for 20% and 10 days. The employer makes a counteroffer at 15% pay and a week off, take it or leave it.