How to respond to a lowball offer
By Kenny Damgren · a kemero product
A low offer can create pressure to react immediately. Do not argue on the spot. Thank the other side, ask for the offer in writing, then decide whether the number is below your target, your minimum, or both.
Robert Half research tied to the 2024 Salary Guide found that among workers who admit a negotiation mistake, 61% say they accepted too low a salary for their skills. A lowball is where that mistake often starts.
What should I say when a salary offer is too low?
Use this response on the call when the number is below your target.
They say: “We would like to offer you $95,000.”
You say · “Thank you. I am excited about the opportunity. Based on the role scope and the market range I reviewed, I was targeting $110,000. Is there room to move the base salary closer to that number?”
They say: “That is higher than our budget.”
You say · “I understand. What is the highest base salary you can approve, and what other parts of the offer could we discuss?”
How do I know if an offer is actually low?
- ·Compare it with the posted range, if one exists.
- ·Compare it with current data for the role, level, and location.
- ·Review the total package, including bonus, equity, benefits, and time off.
- ·Check whether the job scope is larger than the title suggests.
- ·Compare the offer with your minimum before deciding whether to continue.
Should I tell them the offer is a lowball?
Avoid the word lowball on the call. It can turn a numbers discussion into an argument. State the gap instead. Say the offer is below the range you expected or below the compensation needed for the scope.
Subject: Compensation follow-up
Thank you for sharing the offer. I am very interested in the role and the work the team is doing. After reviewing the package, the base salary is below the range I expected for this scope. Based on my experience and market data for similar roles, I was targeting $110,000. Is there room to move the base salary to $110,000? If the base is fixed, I would also be open to discussing a signing bonus, equity, or an earlier compensation review.
Before the real call, rehearse your target number, your minimum, and one fallback option. That preparation keeps the discussion on the offer instead of the emotion of the first number.
Common questions
How do I respond to a lowball salary offer?
Thank them, state that the offer is below your target, make a specific counter-offer, and ask what flexibility exists.
Should I decline a lowball offer immediately?
Not necessarily. First confirm the complete package and ask whether the other side can improve the offer.
What is a good counter-offer for a low salary offer?
Use a number supported by a competing offer, market data, and the job scope. Avoid choosing a number only because it is a large increase.
Can I ask for time to think about a low offer?
Yes. Ask for the offer in writing and a clear decision deadline so you can review the details.