Q: Through a recruiter, I received an offer for a job that's a good fit for me with a lot of potential. However, the compensation is below what I expected, and I don't actually need the new job. I'm secure and pretty happy where I am, but I would consider this job if the money were better. I'd like to signal that the current offer is one I won't accept. How should I negotiate this?
Nick's reply:
Given that many people can't get job offers at all nowadays, you're in a wonderful position. You have an offer for a job that interests you, but you don't need it. That puts you in the driver's seat. Your challenge is to get what you want while avoiding a career trap.
Don't "signal." Politely tell the recruiter the truth: "I'm very interested in this job for these reasons (lay them out). If I take the job, I could help this company by (briefly tell your story). But, much as I'm interested, the terms (use that exact word: terms) they've suggested would not make it a smart move for me."
Let the recruiter ask what it would take for you to accept an offer. The recruiter, whose job is to fill the position, is likely to help get the offer raised a bit if your request is reasonable. Be ready to quote the salary range you want.
Decide how much you want by asking yourself three questions:
What is the least amount of money I would accept?
How much would put a smile on my face and make me happy to take the job?
How much would make me jump up and down with glee and make me want to start work tomorrow? (Caution: This figure must be reasonable.)
Now, set a range that's between the second and third figures.
If the recruiter can't work it out for you, then it's not the right deal.
If an offer isn't going to at least make you happy, it's not worth accepting. If it doesn't come close to making you jump with glee, the job probably won't, either.
Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job," and host of www.asktheheadhunter.com.
He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.
Comments
Posted in pm on May 5, 2008 7:41 AM
I was in the the wrong place at the wrong time... working for (one) week and stepped into a political maham..in Lithonia Georia Mayor Joyce McKibben. Two aides got arrested for entiring a public buildinghe all becasause the Mayor fired the police chief
Should I put that job on my resume...I have good references from the Mayor?