Hi all, I just got an offer for an Associate role at a smaller REPE shop in a major metro (not NYC). I have one year of prior experience and the total comp is between 85-105k depending on size of bonus. I believe the comp is pretty much in-line given that I have light experience for an Associate, but I was wondering y'alls thoughts on trying to negotiate a signing/relocation bonus.
It seems that employers hold all of the leverage right now and they know I probably dont have many options due to COVID - has anyone negotiated an offer in the last few months and how did it go?
i wouldn't
You can certainly try to ask for it. The worst thing that could happen is they say no...right? If they extended you an offer that means they like you and think you are fit for the job. Doesn't make much sense for them to pull the offer just because you asked for more money
No the worst that could happen is you give them a reason to like you less before you even start working there
By negotiating salary/bonus?? What kind of Companies are you applying for that have a no negotiation policy? Have you ever tried negotiating your salary before? it’s pretty common practice
I would say the risk reward is high risk low reward.
One FULL year of experience and making 100k all in, is not bad. So many negatives could happen because of this. We are in a shitty economy, shitty health crisis, shitty political climate. How much are you going to negotiate, 5-10k? If you think that much is worth risking the offer for sure, go right ahead. Like you said, you have light experience for an Associate level position.
I'm not saying don't do it, but the negatives far outweigh the rewards. They could even say no politely, and that would be it.
If you have to relocate for the role I don't think it would be inappropriate to ask if it is possible to get some relocation assistance to help with moving expenses.
I agree, the optics of this one are tricky. On the one hand, in a professional context nobody can blame you (and I would argue it's encouraged) to negotiate your offer fully--that is part of our business. But in the current climate, you are honestly lucky to have an offer at all. Perhaps the best way is to tell them that you appreciate the offer, think it is a little below market but are appreciative of the opportunity and can revisit further once you are settled into the role. That at least leaves the door open and puts a bug in their ear you want to continue talking about it.
Update: I got shot down on salary but offered a little signing bonus instead... seems like a decent win considering the circumstances.
Well done. Enjoy the signing bonus, ride the COVID wave with a job, and be ready to attack the market with experience once we get out of it.
Hah, so they told you no and then came back and gave you a bump? Pat yourself on the back for that one.
Sounds like HR or someone up top said because of budgetary reasons, and then someone on the team your getting hired onto went to bat for you.
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