Offers
What to say to a lowball job offer
The recruiter gives you an offer that is significantly lower than market rate or what was discussed.
When you receive a lowball job offer, do not express disappointment or immediately counter. Say: "How flexible is this number?" This hands the problem back to the recruiter without locking you into an anchor or starting a defensive argument.
“How flexible is this number?”
Tip: Ask it with a neutral, curious tone. You are gathering data, not rejecting the offer.
Why this works
A lowball offer usually happens for one of two reasons: either it's their standard opening strategy to see if you'll just take it, or they genuinely do not have the budget. If you counter immediately, you are negotiating against yourself without knowing which reality you are in.
Asking "How flexible is this number?" forces them to reveal the constraints. If they say "There's some room," you know it was just an anchor. If they say "It's completely firm," you know you need to pivot to negotiating equity, signing bonuses, or PTO.
This question keeps the conversation collaborative. You aren't rejecting them; you are simply asking them to explain the boundaries of the deal before you make your move.
The trap
What most people say, and why it backfires
✕“That's insulting. I'm worth way more than that.”
Offense is an emotion, not a strategy. It burns the relationship with the recruiter, who is often your advocate to the hiring manager.
✕“Well, I was really hoping for $X.”
You just gave away your number before testing theirs. If their absolute maximum was $X+$10k, you just lost $10k.
When they push back
Have your next line ready
If they say: "It's pretty firm, unfortunately."
Say: "Understood. If base is locked, how flexible are we on a sign-on bonus or an extra week of PTO?"
If they say: "What were you looking for?"
Say: "Based on the market data for this scope, I was expecting something closer to [Your Number]. How can we bridge that gap?"
How to deliver it
Deliver it calmly and then let the silence hang. The longer the pause, the more likely the recruiter is to start explaining their constraints or hinting at where they can flex.
Before you walk in
Five things to have ready
Frequently asked questions
Should I negotiate every job offer?+
Yes. Even if the offer is good, ask about flexibility. Most companies expect a negotiation and hold back 5-10% from their initial offer.
Will they pull the offer if I push back?+
Extremely rarely. Rescinding an offer is a massive headache for a company. As long as you are collaborative and professional, the offer is safe.
What if they ask for my number first?+
Try to defer: "I'd prefer to understand the range you have budgeted for this role first." If forced, give a range where your target number is at the bottom.
How long should I take to review the offer?+
Always ask for 24 to 48 hours. "I appreciate the offer. Let me review the full package and get back to you by tomorrow afternoon."
This line works for most of these conversations. Yours has specifics it doesn't.
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