How do I reject an offer politely because the compensation is too low?
Hello folks, hope to get some advice on my current situation.
I have started my job hunting process and a recruiter reached out to me with a open SWE role recently.
We had an initial chat and the compensation range for that role was lower than what I had asked for but the recruiter encouraged me to just go ahead and try anyway. I agreed to it, as I wanted to chalk up some interview experience, and managed to make it through the interview stages.
Today I was informed that I got the offer. However, the compensation is too low for me (which is expected). There's not much room to negotiate a substantially higher compensation because it is the budget given for that project (it's a contract role). The recruiter is still trying to encourage me to take up the role and potentially coming across as kinda...pushy. Any advice on how best to reject them? The recruiter has honestly been really helpful and friendly (eg. giving me tips on what the interview could ask etc) so I will still hope to be able to get the help of this recruiter for other roles, but at the same time i really don't want to offend him or make him think that I'm a picky candidate etc.
It's my first time job hunting so would really appreciate advice! Thank you so much
![Senior Software Engineer [E5] at Meta company logo](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com%2Fv0%2Fb%2Ftech-career-growth.appspot.com%2Fo%2Fcompany_logos%252Fmeta.jpeg%3Falt%3Dmedia%26token%3Da7a5bcc0-e178-4b5b-b71e-09bf6c6aefae&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
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Discussion
(5 comments)- 2
4 months agoThoughtful TarodactylTaro CommunityJust stay firm, but polite. Express empathy.
I would say something like:
"Thanks for taking the time to interview. It was great learning about the team and role. While I'm excited about the team and role the salary is on the lower end of what I would prefer. I am looking for something in the X-Y range. If that is not possible, I totally understand. Would love to keep in touch in the future should there be a fit."
- 24 months agoEntry-Level Software EngineerTaro Community
Hey folks, just wanted to update, that after I rejected the offer with that very nicely worded message from Thoughtful Tarodactyl, they came back to me and matched what I had asked. So this means a 25% increase in base pay. Honestly quite surprised by that move as the company had told me that the previous offer was their maximum budget. I'm now asking my current company for a pay match...fingers crossed. Thanks guys!
- 0
4 months agoTech Lead @ Robinhood, Meta, Course HeroThat's awesome, you're playing your cards perfectly!
- 14 months agoTech Lead @ Robinhood, Meta, Course Hero
Given that you already made it clear upfront that the compensation range isn't the best and the recruiter acknowledged that, you are 100% in the clear. The sample message from Thoughtful Tarodactyl is perfect, and if they respond poorly to that, they're being dumb.
Having a competing offer is the best leverage, but being able to walk away (i.e. what you're communicating in your message) is powerful too. Maybe they can tack on at least another $10 to $15 per hour and get the range to something comfortable for you (it really isn't that much money).
Anyways, I hope you got good practice in the interview and best of luck!
- 14 months agoEntry-Level Software EngineerTaro Community
Thanks Alex and Thoughful Tarodactyl for the tips! Yep it was a good practice - had to do some live coding during the interview
