Career Cube Blog

Everyone experiences this angst at some point in their careers. You get a job offer from Company X that definitely interests you. You’re thrilled and very excited!

However, as luck would have it, you get a second offer from Company Y for a job that’s not quite as interesting as Company X, but the money is much better.

What should you do?

If you take the offer from Company X, if your financial situation ever gets tight, your mind will instantly go back to how you wouldn’t even HAVE money problems if you took the offer from Company Y. Would you regret that decision?

If you take the offer from Company Y, is the money going to be enough to keep you interested in the position day in and day out?

Gee you think-what would be REALLY great is if I could get Company X to give me the company that Company Y wants to give me. THAT would be perfect!

Yes, it most certainly would, and you can try to negotiate for it, but keep in mind that you do not want to give a bad impression to Company X. Since you have a genuine interest in the job and are just hoping that they can sweeten the pot a bit, you need to tread carefully and respectfully.

First, keep in mind that it’s unlikely in many situations that an employer will be able to match another offer that’s more than $10K above what they’re offering you. Yes, you’re wonderful and perfect and they love you, but they also have a budget. If Company Y is offering $10K or more above Company X, the most you can hope for is to get Company X up probably no more than $5K. The hiring process is brutal on an employer, so they won’t be quick to walk away over a few thousand dollars, but if you exceed their budget line, it’s game over and you’ll need to take what they offer you (and ask for a performance and salary review in 6 months after they’ve had a chance to evaluate you), or take the higher paying position. It’s as simple as that.

When you ask, you want to be respectful of their situation, explain that you’re interested in this position but are looking at an offer letter from another company where the salary is $MM. Would it be possible for them to come closer to the other company’s offer? You’re genuinely interested in the position, think it would be a great fit with your skills and experience, but are facing a tough decision between 2 wonderful opportunities. Then listen to what they say. Your fall back is to ask if it’s possible to have a salary and performance review in the next 6 months.

Ultimately you need to make a decision weighing all the options that are important to you. You’re on your own my friends. As long as you keep the relationship amiable, you won’t close any doors until you intend to.

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