How to negotiate a high salary after receiving a job offer?

Question

I believe I am about to receive a job offer. I was asked to fill out an employment application during the interview process but before I had a lot of information about the position. I have since been through three interviews and have a better understanding of the position and it seems a lot more complicated and demanding than I initially thought. I now realize that the desired salary I put on the form is too low. Would it be frowned upon to try to negotiate a higher salary once I receive the offer and say that now that I understand more about the position, I believe the pay should be higher? Not sure how to go about this. It's a very large company.

Update:

I meant to say, "HOW TO NEGOTIATE A HIGHER SALARY?" cannot figure out how to edit the question.

Jeff S · Accepted Answer

No, you are absolutely right. If the job in the paper or advertisement is much less complicated than the one described while interviewing, then of course you should ask for more money. I am self-employed, and this happens all the time. Client X says he wants one thing, and in the sales process, throws in about a dozen requirements that need to be met.  Every single requirement or complication is some additional effort or expertise that differentiates this specific position from the one that was advertised.

As far as how to mention this, don't say a thing until you get an offer. Then counter with a higher number citing all those things that make it more complicated. For example, you could say:
"Although that salary would fit into the average position, this position is substantially more complicated because of its requirements for education/hours/etc." Essentially, do not try and get them to agree to a higher salary, but look for commitment that the salary does not match the job offered. That will enable you to negotiate for a better job and hence a better pay package.

Finally, remember that the power to walk away is the most important. If they gotta have you but you don't need to work there, then you have the upper hand and deserve to be compensated for your risk.

BParker · Answer

Good luck with that.  Before you start you have to ask yourself will you accept the position at $_________?  Now that you know this you can proceed. 

In the future always leave desired salary blank when filling these things out.  If however, you are asked to provide a salary history you need to do so.

Also keep in mind that for every position in every company there is a salary range I.E. $25K to 32K.  No matter what they won't go below the low end of their salary range when they put together your offer.

? · Answer

This might be cheating... but the easiest way to negotiate better benefits is to hire a professional to help you. As a professional salary negotiator myself, I have negotiated higher salaries for over 700 people. My trick is to handle the entire salary negotiation over email. Negotiating by email improves the odds for an amateur negotiator. That’s because it takes away your employer’s ability to "read you" in person and bluff you into taking less. Over email you can carefully choose every word. And a professional like me can squeeze HR to get every penny you deserve. The only rule is that you can never tell ANYONE that you had outside help. To learn more about hiring a professional salary negotiator to get you more money, watch a free tutorial video at: www.NegotiatingSalary.com/FreeTutorial

Wesleystock · Answer

I’m guessing that would be frowned upon.  I would make yourself invaluable over the next year and then ask for a raise.  A friend just recently got a substantial raise only after saying she was leaving for another job.

How to negotiate a high salary after receiving a job offer?

4 Answers