HR person asked what salary I had in mind during a call, but I didn't ask for enough. Any way to remedy this when they come back with concrete offer? [duplicate]

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

HR called me up during the day to ask for references. They said they would check on the references then when that all checks out, call me again with a verbal offer (and go from there, whether I agree or make counteroffer). During this call however, I was also asked what salary range I had in mind and while my first mistake was saying a number first, I wasn't quite prepared to give an informed answer (second mistake; I got the call during a busy work task so half my mind was elsewhere during the call...I guess that kind of sounds like an excuse) and was a little thrown off by the question. I ended up giving them a number that in hindsight, is a little lower than the target range I could realistically aim for.

My guess is that they'll base their offer off of the number I gave them; is there any way to remedy this situation professionally? Perhaps say something during the next phone call, either before or after they tell me their number to explain my situation? Or would it be too unprofessional and give them a bad impression, leaving me with only the option to stand firm on my number and hope they meet exactly there?

manpreet 2 years ago

During this call however, I was also asked what salary range I had in mind ... I ended up giving them a number that in hindsight, is a little lower than the target range I could realistically aim for.

My guess is that they'll base their offer off of the number I gave them; is there any way to remedy this situation professionally?

They will almost certainly use the number you gave them as input to their calculation.

That doesn't mean they will only offer that exact number, though. Depending on their salary range for the position, they could offer more or less. And presumably they didn't ask you what benefits and perks you had in mind.

First of all, don't make the same mistake twice. Think about what would be an acceptable offer beforeyou talk with them next. You must think through both what you would like to get and what would be an acceptable amount. If you are busy next time (or are otherwise distracted), offer to call back when the time is better.

Then, think the offer over. Even ask for a day or two to think it over. Consider all aspects of the offer - salary, bonus, benefits, and all other perks, as well as the softer portions of the offer like opportunity, commute, working conditions, etc.

Then, decide. If you still think the salary along with all other aspects isn't enough, then indicate that. Something like "I'd really like to work at your company, but I just think the compensation package is too low." should work.

If they counter with "but it matches the number you gave us" you can always say "I'm looking at the package as a whole, and think it needs to be better."

Remember, that negotiations go both ways.

Also remember, that you don't want to keep negotiating if they reach what you need, and you don't think you will be offered more. Otherwise, they could just move on to the next candidate. It's a bit of a gamble, and you need to be willing to walk away from a too-low offer.