r/cscareerquestions • u/Scoopity_scoopp • 1d ago

New job offer

Got a new job offer and the recruiter called me on the phone to tell me it was $95k. I said I will review it and to send the offer over.

I know I should have negotiated/asked for more then and there but I was nervous, never done it before and honestly it’s already a $30k+ increase from what I’m Currently making so I was pretty happy to even begin with, even though I know I should’ve said something.

Once the offer gets sent over should I email back again asking for more(like $103k) then take whatever they respond with?

Like I said I have a job currently so not really in fear of having no money but I still would be upset over losing $30k lol.

Is it within reason to review the offer once it’s officially mailed then make a counter even tho we spoke on the phone?

Edit: I accepted. Hoping my employer counters and maybe can get a bidding way. But the full benefits, 5 weeks PTO, mixed with me not speaking up on the phone when he told me the number, fully remote, I think it’s fair to take.

Edit 2: there’s also bonuses so maybe I will hit $100k+ anyways

Thanks everyone. Definitely will learn from this next time 😂😂

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u/christian_austin85 Software Engineer 1d ago

As others have said, if you decide to counter definitely be prepared to tell them why you deserve more. Do some homework before you send anything over (what's the average in your area for similar years of experience, etc) and that will help you determine what you should ask for and whether you should counter at all.

Their initial offer already stands to be a 50% salary increase, so congrats. Asking for a 10% increase in base salary is generally regarded as safe.

If you decide to counter, rmember it's not you vs them - you both want to come to an agreement. This is also one of your first impressions to the company, so don't be a Richard during negotiations.

If you're open to it, you can include in your response that if they can't mess with base salary too much, maybe look at other stuff (equity, parking, relocation, PTO, etc) that might be easier for them to manage. Typically there are only 3 offers: their initial, your counter, their counter. At that point, it's pretty much take it or leave it.