Kanu recently received a job offer from a prestigious tech firm, StreamLine Innovations, after several rounds of intense interviews. The role is exactly what Kanu has been looking for, but the offered salary is slightly lower than expected. Kanu is considering negotiating for a higher salary but is currently out of the country for a family emergency and can’t meet in person or make phone calls reliably due to time zone differences and limited availability. Kanu wonders, ‘Is it okay for me to negotiate my salary over email in this situation, or would it be seen as unprofessional? How can I effectively communicate my value and request a higher salary through email without jeopardizing the job offer?’
Yes, it is okay to negotiate salary over email
Negotiating salary over email is not only acceptable but can also be advantageous in certain situations, like the one Kanu is facing. Here are detailed insights and practical examples to guide such negotiations:
Advantages of Email Negotiations:
- Clarity and Time to Think: Email allows both parties to clearly state their positions and consider responses thoughtfully. Unlike in-person or phone negotiations, where you might feel pressured to respond immediately, email gives you time to craft your message and consider your employer’s offer.
- Record of Conversation: Email provides a written record of the negotiation, which can be useful for future reference and ensures that both parties are clear on the agreed terms.
How to Approach Salary Negotiation via Email:
- Express Gratitude: Start your email by expressing gratitude for the job offer. This sets a positive tone for the negotiation. For example, “I am thrilled about the opportunity to join StreamLine Innovations and am genuinely excited about contributing to the team”.
- State Your Case Clearly: Clearly articulate why you believe a higher salary is warranted. Reference market data, your relevant experience, or specific skills that add value to the position. For instance, “Based on my research and understanding of the market rates in our industry, as well as my five years of experience in high-level project management, I was anticipating a slightly higher offer”.
- Be Specific About Your Request: Clearly state the salary you are seeking. Avoid vagueness. For example, “Considering my expertise and the responsibilities of this role, I am seeking a salary in the range of [specific amount], which I believe reflects the value I bring to the team”.
- Be Open and Flexible: Indicate your willingness to discuss the offer further. This shows that you are open to dialogue. For instance, “I am open to discussing this further if you have any concerns or alternative compensation methods in mind”.
- Professional Tone: Maintain a professional and courteous tone throughout the email. Avoid ultimatums or aggressive language.
Practical Example:
Case Study: In a similar situation, Ama, a software developer, received a job offer via email but found the salary lower than expected. Ama responded with a well-crafted email, thanking the company for the offer, and then presented a counteroffer supported by industry salary data and a summary of his professional achievements that were particularly relevant to the job. Ama also expressed enthusiasm about the role and her desire to find a mutually agreeable solution. The company appreciated Ama’s professional approach and came back with a revised offer that was closer to her expectations.
Conclusion:
Negotiating salary over email can be a practical and effective approach, especially when circumstances prevent in-person or phone discussions. The key is to communicate clearly, professionally, and with a tone of collaboration. By providing a rationale for your salary expectations and showing a willingness to find a middle ground, you can navigate this process successfully without jeopardizing the job offer.
