Counter proposal – Tutorial

 

 

After a gruelling number of job interviews with a prospective employer who is hiring someone for the job of your dreams, you're again meeting with the hiring manager when she turns to face you and gives you the job offer, but at a salary below what you had expected. You are still excited, elated actually, but what you do next could have consequences for years to come.

Even if the job offer is acceptable to you, most career experts agree that you should take the time to clear your head and consider the offer, away from the pressure of an interview. So, make sure to thank the interviewer for the job offer and express your interest in the job and the company, but ask for some time to consider all the details.

But what if the offer is unacceptable to you? If it really is one of your dream jobs, or even simply a job you really want, you should consider moving into the negotiation phase by making a counter proposal to the employer.

Writing the Counter Proposal Letter

While there is not a specific formula to writing a successful counter proposal letter, there is a basic structure you can follow for maximum likelihood of success.

1) First Paragraph: Statement of Interest and Enthusiasm for Job/Company; Key Selling Factors

This paragraph is critical in setting up the tone and direction of the negotiations. Be direct and sincere in expressing your interest for the company, thanking the employer for the job offer. Be sure to follow-up with your key selling points -- how you will make a direct and immediate (or longer-term) impact on the organization.

 

2) Second Paragraph: Negotiating Item #1 -- Offer and Counter Proposal

Restate the particular point from the original offer that you wish to negotiate, followed by your counter proposal -- ideally supported through research, a desire to be fairly compensated, or reinforced by the value you will bring to the company.

 

3) Third Paragraph: Negotiating Item #2 -- Offer and Counter Proposal

Restate the particular point from the original offer that you wish to negotiate, followed by your counter proposal -- ideally supported through research, a desire to be fairly compensated, or reinforced by the value you will bring to the company.

 

4) Fourth Paragraph: Negotiating Item #3 -- Offer and Counter Proposal

Restate the particular point from the original offer that you wish to negotiate, followed by your counter proposal -- ideally supported through research, a desire to be fairly compensated, or reinforced by the value you will bring to the company.

 

5) Fifth Paragraph: Negotiating Item #4 -- Offer and Counter Proposal

Restate the particular point from the original offer that you wish to negotiate, followed by your counter proposal -- ideally supported through research, a desire to be fairly compensated, or reinforced by the value you will bring to the company.

 

6) Concluding Paragraph: Conciliatory Comments with Strong Moving-Forward Statement Stress that your requests are modest and that your potential impact is great -- and that you look forward to accepting the job offer and getting a jump-start on the position as soon as possible.

You can also include paragraphs for items of the original proposal that you completely agree on -- doing so makes the letter seem more balanced and that you are not picking apart the entire offer.

You can also include paragraphs for any items in the offer that you need clarification- – or where you are seeking more information, typically for complex issues such as confidentiality and non-compete agreements, bonus plans.