Can You Lose A Job Offer By Negotiating Salary? – Full Answer

Written By Aleena

So you’ve just received a job offer, and you’re thrilled! But then you realize that the salary offered is much lower than what you were expecting. What do you do? You might ask: can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?

The answer to this question is, “yes. You can lose a job offer by negotiating salary.” However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t always happen. 

Why Can You Lose A Job Offer By Negotiating Salary?

When employers extend a job offer, they usually include a salary that is based on two things:

– Their research and

– The budget that they have set aside for the position

But, many candidates are not happy with this initial offer. And choose to negotiate for a higher salary. 

Can You Lose A Job Offer By Negotiating Salary (2)
Some employers will rescind a job offer if the candidate tries to negotiate for a higher salary. Here are some of the reasons:

1. Employer Thinks You Are Ungrateful:

The employer may feel that the candidate is not grateful for their offer. 

Thus, negotiating for a higher salary may make the employer think that you are not appreciative of what they have already offered.

They try to end the offer to tell you that the position got filled.

2. Companies Cannot Afford To Pay More:

The company may be unwilling to pay more for the position. That is especially if the work is entry-level. 

They may feel that the candidate is asking for too much. Thus, they would be better off hiring someone more affordable.

Companies hire based on their budgets. If the budget is not enough, they will not be able to afford the salary increase that the candidate is asking for.

3. The Offer Is Already High:

If the employer has already offered a high salary, they may not be willing to go higher. 

Let’s take an example:

For an entry-level job, the maximum salary can be around $50,000. For a more experienced position, it can be about $75,000 per year.

Thus, if the candidate is asking for a higher salary than what the employer has budgeted, that is not acceptable.

4. They Believe That You Will Not Stay Long:

The company may think that the candidate is only looking for a higher salary. They will not stay long with the company. 

Thus, the company may be unwilling to respond to the candidate’s demands. They may choose to rescind the job offer instead.

5. The Company Is In A Hurry:

If the company is in a hurry to fill the position, it may be less likely to negotiate with the candidate. 

Can You Lose A Job Offer By Negotiating Salary (2)

They may feel that the candidate is asking for too much and decide to end the offer because they have other tasks.

They may select another candidate immediately who agrees to their terms.

6. Employer Feels Like You Are Demanding:

The employer may feel that the candidate is being demanded by trying to negotiate.

They may see this as unprofessional and may not want to work with someone who is demanding.

And they may think that if the candidate works with them, they will continue demanding more.

7. The Candidate Is Not Qualified Enough:

The company may feel that the candidate is not qualified enough. And they are only trying to negotiate for a higher salary. 

Thus, they will choose someone who is more qualified. They do not want to waste their time with someone not qualified.

However, many employers will be willing to negotiate a higher salary. 

If the candidate can provide a strong case for why they deserve it. 

It is always best to try to negotiate a higher salary.

But, you should be ready for the possibility that the employer may rescind the job offer if you do. 

How Can You Avoid Losing A Job Offer?

There are a few things that you can do to avoid losing a job offer:

1. Do Your Research:

Before you start negotiating for a higher salary, make sure that you know the market rate for the position you are applying for. 

This will give you a good idea of how much you can ask without going too far. 

You can do research on Google or websites like Glassdoor. 

You get average salaries for different positions in your area. This can help you when negotiating a salary. 

2. Have A Conversation:

If you want to negotiate for a higher salary, it is best to do it through a conversation.

This means that you talk to the employer and explain why you feel that you deserve a higher salary. 

Be polite and respectful, even if the employer says no. 

Remain professional and remember that you may still have a chance of getting the job. 

Steps To Present A Strong Case:

Let’s share some steps to presenting a strong negotiating case:

1. Start with your current salary and explain why you feel you deserve a raise.

For instance:

“I’m currently earning $50,000 per year, and I feel worth more than that. My skills and experience are worth more than what I’m making now.”

a strong conversation.

2. Explain why you are interested in the position and how it will benefit the company. 

For instance:

“I’m very interested in this position, and I can bring a lot to the company. I know that I can be an asset to your team.” 

3. Mention any unique skills or experience that set you apart from other candidates. 

For example:

“I have five years of experience in the marketing field, and I’m familiar with all the latest trends. I’m confident that I can contribute to your team right away.” 

4. Offer to do a trial period or sign a contract. 

For instance:

“I’m willing to do a trial period or sign a six-month contract. That way, you can see how I work and if I’m a good fit for the company.” 

5. Show how you will be an asset to the company. 

For example:

“I know that I can be an asset to your team. I’m a hard worker, and I’m confident that I can contribute to your company right away.” 

6. Thank the employer for their time and consideration. 

“Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this position. I appreciate it.”

3. Don’t Ask For Too Much:

The employer may rescind the job offer if you ask for too much. 

Remember that you need to make a strong case for why you deserve a higher salary. 

Let’s give you a round figure of how much to ask for. Let’s imagine you get a job offer of $50,000 annually. You might want to aim for around $60,000. 

don't askk for too much

This shows that you are serious about the position. But don’t go too far outside of the budget that has been set aside. 

That is, do not go for $100,000. It will only show that you are not serious about the position. And you’re trying to take advantage of the employer. 

4. Have A Backup Plan:

If you worry about losing a job offer by negotiating salary, you can always have a backup plan. 

This means you have another job offer in hand that you can accept if the negotiations do not go well. 

This will show the employer that you are serious about getting the job. And that you are not just trying to take advantage of them. 

With a backup plan, you can always negotiate for a higher salary without the fear of losing the job offer. 

5. Don’t Threaten To Leave:

One of the worst things you can do is threaten to leave if the employer does not give you what you want. 

This will only make the employer less likely to negotiate with you, and they may end the job offer entirely. 

Be prepared to walk away from the negotiation if the employer is unwilling to work with you. 

However, make sure that you have another job offer before doing this. 

6. Be Thankful For The Offer:

When you receive a job offer, be sure to thank the employer for their time and extend an offer to you. 

The salary offered may be lower than what you were expecting. But be grateful that you got an opportunity to work at the company.

This will show that you are appreciative of the offer. 

And there are chances that the employer might reconsider the salary if you are grateful.

7. Be Patient:

If the employer doesn’t agree to your proposed salary, be patient. 

There is a good chance they may come back to you with a higher offer. 

Remember that the employer has already invested time and money into the hiring process. Thus, they will want to get the most out of it. 

If you cannot agree, be prepared to walk away from the negotiation.

8. Follow Up:

After the negotiation is complete, follow up with the employer. 

Thank them for their time and let them know that you are looking forward to working at the company. 

This will show that you are a professional and serious about getting the job.

Wait for them to answer and make decisions based on their reply. 

What To Do If You Lose A Job Offer By Negotiating Salary

If the employer rescinds the job offer after you negotiate your salary, here are a few things that you can do: 

1 .Stay Positive:

No matter what happens during the negotiation, stay positive.

stay positive.

The employer may say no to your proposed salary, and you may have to walk away from the job offer.

However, remember that there are other opportunities out there.

Keep your head up and continue looking for other jobs.

Negotiating a salary can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you have a lot to gain.

2. Don’t Burn Bridges:

Don’t burn bridges even if the employer says no to your proposed salary. 

Remember that you may need to work with this company in the future. 

Be professional and courteous during the negotiation and after it is complete. 

This will show the employer that you are a professional and serious about getting the job.

3. Walk Away Gracefully:

Quit the job gracefully. You can extend your thank you to them for choosing you. 

But remember to tell them that you prefer your talent over other terms. 

Please don’t make it look like the company lost anything by not choosing you. 

4. Update Your Resume:

Make sure that you update your resume and include all of the jobs you have applied for. 

Keep your head up and continue looking for jobs. Or if you have another offer, take it.

Make sure to tell your salary expectations in the interview that you give. It will help the interviewer in knowing your market value.

Final Thoughts:

Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? The answer is “yes.”

Some employers will end a job offer if the candidate tries to negotiate for a higher salary.

Before you start negotiating, make sure that you have another job offer. 

Also, be sure to stay positive and professional during the negotiation process. 

If the employer says no to your proposed salary, be patient and keep looking for other jobs. 

Finally, update your resume and continue applying for jobs.

Last Updated on 4 months by Saad

Aleena

Leave a Comment