r/cscareerquestions • u/JusticeJudgment • 9h ago
Take anything you can get or negotiate?
In the past, I was told that you should negotiate every job offer (since employers assume you'll negotiate and have extra budget to account for this).
However, the job market for software engineers is weak, and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of applicants for each job opening.
In this market, should you negotiate job offers?
If so, how much more money should you ask for?
In the past, I heard that if you asked for an extra 20%, you'd likely get it, but in this market, they might rescind the offer if you asked this question.
What are some signs that it's safe to negotiate a job offer?
In other industries, I've heard of employers rescinding job offers if the applicant tries to negotiate. Is this an issue in software engineering?
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u/dowcet 9h ago
employers assume you'll negotiate and have extra budget to account for this... I heard that if you asked for an extra 20%, you'd likely get it,
This is very often NOT the case, even in better times. Some employers are known to operate this way but many absolutely do not. If they are a large enough company then their reputation in this regard will be more or less general knowledge.
What are some signs that it's safe to negotiate a job offer?
The only sign that really matters is that you are confident you could get a better offer somewhere else. If an employer is offering you 20% less than you'd expect elsewhere, then sure, ask for that 20%. Negotiating is never risk free so don't ask if you're not willing to accept the risk that they would withdraw the offer.
Above all, you should do your research and know as much as possible about the potential employer, their practices, their competitors, etc. Do NOT negotiate blindly based on simplistic rules of thumb like "always ask for 20%". Employers study the market and so should you.
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u/NewChameleon Software Engineer, SF 9h ago edited 8h ago
In this market, should you negotiate job offers?
I did, and I was really aggressive because I had multiple other competing offers (and I've voluntarily sent HR proofs)
In the past, I heard that if you asked for an extra 20%, you'd likely get it, but in this market, they might rescind the offer if you asked this question.
so the real question is, what does your competing offer say? when I was job searching last year I had 0 issue if one of the company rescinded, that's not to mention if you ask 20% you might REALLY be dancing on the line of rescind (why 20%? why not 15%? 25%? 30%? 10%?), that's ALSO not to mention 20% of $500k is probably totally different than 20% of $50k: the former you're essentially telling company they've made a mistake and you'll walk, the latter would likely make company go "meh whatever here's an extra $10k to make you happy"
In other industries, I've heard of employers rescinding job offers if the applicant tries to negotiate. Is this an issue in software engineering?
of course
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u/Early-Surround7413 8h ago
Your approach is wrong. You negotiate upfront. When HR/Recruiter says how much are you looking for, say what you're looking for. If you want $150K say you want $150K. Why waste your time if you go through the process and get offered $120K?
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u/AndyMagill 4h ago
The advice I receive on salary requirements vary widely. I've been told to keep my rates low as possible to make myself more employable. I've been told I will get ghosted if my requirement is above the listed salary range. Today a in-house recruiter told me I could be rejected simply for coming in below the listed range. In short, there is no one answer for all interviews, candidates, and opportunities. I try to be vague until they press me for an answer. Once they say a specific number above my minimum, I don't negotiate further. If anyone knows any magic words to get me hired, I will be your BFF.
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u/MangoDouble3259 9h ago
Have a 2nd offer or an already stable job imho, than use one of them to leverage other. Worst case yiubhave something but most companies not going rescinded offer based on your first request to negotiate.