How To Respond To A Lowball Job Offer (Sample Emails)

Many people find it mentally and emotionally stressful to respond to a lowball job offer. Some people often resort to declining job opportunities.

Responding to a lowball job offer is an art; only a few can master it. Follow through as we provide tips on how to respond to a lowball job offer.

Responding To A Lowball Job Offer (Sample Emails)

Different processes are involved in responding to a lowball job offer. Here are practical ways of doing so:

Ask For More Time To Think About The Offer Through 

Remember that you don’t have to accept or decline a lowball job offer immediately, especially if you didn’t get the offer you wanted. And if you’ve received a lowball job offer, you may need to recoup before continuing with the hiring manager.

It is not an attack on your worth or professional value. There are simply employers who like to start by offering as low as possible and see how the negotiations progress.

The best way to stay level-headed during this process is to politely ask for some time to think about the offer and share a time frame for when you can make a final decision.

Hiring managers usually give a deadline for you to decide on their offer.

When asking for time, note the timeline you’ve been given and work with it, not behind it.

It can be from one to three days, depending on how quickly they need to complete the post.

They’re probably talking to other candidates as well, so if you drag out the wait time too far, they might not be as willing to hear what you have to say.

If you take some time to think about the offer, you can weigh the pros and cons.

Use this time to examine your thoughts and maybe even calm down if you were disappointed by the offer. Reacting may not be the best, especially if you’re feeling emotional or even angry about such a low offer.

Following their schedule also shows that you are excited about the prospect of joining their company and that you respect their time.

It can help work things out in your favor. Since the employer appreciates your interest in their company, they may be more willing to negotiate positively with you.

Here is a sample email that will guide you on how to send them your thoughts:

Hi [Employee’s name]

I appreciate your job offer. Please I appeal to have some days to consider your request, so I can know if it will work for me, the company, and my family. 

Once again, I appreciate your offer, and I’ll get back to you soon!

[Your professional name]

[Your email]

Read also: How To Respond To “Walk Me Through Your Resume”

Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away.

Do your research on the industry, salary ranges for the position you’re seeking, and the value of your experience. Ask for what you think you deserve.

Remember, in today’s candidate-driven market, you’re in a good place to wait for the right job.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the offer, you won’t be able to focus entirely on the work at hand, and you may find yourself looking for a higher-paying role sooner rather than later.

In short, don’t sell yourself, but don’t set your expectations too high either.

Suppose you feel insecure or unhappy with your employer’s overall offer and have tried to insist on your expected salary or negotiate other benefits. Still, nothing seems to be working, don’t be afraid to leave because you think nothing else will come up.

If the offer is too low compared to market standards, this is automatically a red flag. It says a lot about how a company values ​or doesn’t value its people.

Most importantly, if nothing is working and it’s time to decline, do it with grace and respect. You’ll never know; they may change their mind in a few months or years and offer you a great deal.

If it’s the first time they offer you a lowball job offer, your first instinct may be to give up. However, no matter the amount you want the job and how tempting it may seem to accept the offer, remember that employers are prepared for candidates to negotiate an opening offer.

Many employers make a lowball job offer knowing that there is a possibility that you will accept. If so, good for them, but not so good for you. If you don’t, they already know how high they can raise.

Also check: How To Ask For A Raise

Negotiate A Better Salary

It is hard to stay motivated when you’re not getting paid well. While you may think it won’t affect you, the reality of bills, expenses, and lifestyle costs will eventually catch up.

Negotiating an offer is part of the recruitment process. Many employers expect potential employees to negotiate a higher salary, so don’t sell yourself out.

Before you start negotiating salary, do some market value research so you can confidently ask for what you want.

Therefore, rather than saying yes, answer politely but insist on your desired salary. Don’t worry about being seen as rude or entitled.

How you insist on the salary you want will make the difference. Start by expressing your gratitude. The fact that the firm gives you an offer means they believe you’re a good catch.

Once you’ve said thank you, follow up by explaining why your requested salary is reasonable based on market standards, experience, and qualifications.

Many employees accept lowball job offers believing that their salary will somehow increase in the future. While this may be true, getting the compensation you think you deserve may take too long. 

It often creates frustration and demotivation, causing the quality of work performance to decline.

Here is a sample email that will guide you on how to negotiate with your employees 

Hi [Employee’s name]

I love how [Company name] operates, and I know we are a good match. Considering my abilities and experience, it would be a beneficial union that would serve both parties involved.

I appreciate that you deem extending my offer necessary; however, in all sincerity, it is below my expectations and what other firms in your class offer. 

I know the value I would bring to your firm, and I want to be safe in the knowledge that you value me accordingly.

Thank you

[Your professional name]

[Your email]

Consider The Company Benefits. 

Do not forget to look at the whole package the employer can offer when deciding.

If you know that budgetary constraints drive the employer’s decision to offer you a lower salary than expected, insisting on the desired pay may not work. Fortunately, though, that doesn’t have to mean that negotiations are closed when it comes to jobs.

One way you can try to compensate for the lack of cash is by negotiating benefits and perks that can affect your expenses or well-being. Sometimes hiring managers have no control over salary, but they do have control over the non-monetary factors of hiring jobs.

Try to think of non-monetary benefits that you think will make up for the low salary. When considering, think about your work experience as a whole and then come up with options that make sense for you and the company.

Consider their retirement packages, stock options, career development investments, work schedule, and health benefits or commuting allowances.

If the benefits are great, you can do the math and see where your money is going. You may find that their offer is better than expected.

You may like: What Are The Different Types of Employee Benefits and Perks?

Conclusion 

It is essential to know how to respond to lowball job offers. It can guide you to a renegotiation process with your employer and further enable you to tilt the condition to your favor and get what you want.