Back to Situations

Salary Negotiation and Job Offer

Discussions after a successful interview process where the company extends a job offer, and the candidate negotiates salary, benefits, and other terms of employment.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Hiring Manager (Male)
Hi Alex, thanks for coming in. We've deliberated, and we're very pleased to extend a job offer for the Senior Software Engineer position.
2
Candidate (Female)
That's wonderful news, Sarah! I'm truly excited about the opportunity. Could you please walk me through the details of the offer?
3
Hiring Manager (Male)
Certainly. The base salary is $120,000 annually, with a 10% target bonus and stock options vesting over four years. We also offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with unlimited PTO and a 401k match.
4
Candidate (Female)
Thank you for the detailed breakdown, Andrew. The offer sounds competitive, and I appreciate the generous benefits package. Regarding the base salary, is there any flexibility on that figure?
5
Hiring Manager (Male)
We believe this offer is strong for the role and your experience level. While the base salary is fairly set, we might have a little room for negotiation on the signing bonus, depending on your current compensation structure.
6
Candidate (Female)
I understand. My current compensation package, including stock, is slightly higher. Would it be possible to consider a signing bonus of $15,000 to help bridge that gap?
7
Hiring Manager (Male)
Let me discuss that with the team, Alex. I can't promise anything, but I'll see what we can do. Also, I wanted to confirm if you have any questions about the role's responsibilities or the team dynamic.
8
Candidate (Female)
Thanks, I appreciate you looking into it. I feel good about the role and the team after our interviews. My primary concern right now is ensuring the compensation aligns with my expectations. When can I expect to hear back regarding the signing bonus?
9
Hiring Manager (Male)
I'll aim to get back to you by the end of tomorrow, Friday, with an updated offer. Does that work for you?
10
Candidate (Female)
Yes, that works perfectly. Thank you again, Andrew, for your time and flexibility. I look forward to hearing from you.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

extend

To formally offer something, like a job offer. In job interviews, say 'extend an offer' to mean giving someone a job position.

base salary

The fixed annual pay before any bonuses or extras. It's the main part of your earnings in a job offer.

bonus

Extra money given on top of salary, often for good work. Common in negotiations to ask for a higher bonus.

stock options

The chance to buy company shares at a low price later. Useful in tech jobs; they can increase your total pay over time.

vesting

The process where you gradually gain full ownership of something like stock options, often over years. It encourages you to stay with the company.

PTO

Paid Time Off, meaning vacation days where you still get paid. 'Unlimited PTO' means no limit on vacation days.

negotiation

A discussion to agree on better terms, like salary. In interviews, it's polite to negotiate after an offer.

signing bonus

A one-time payment when you accept and sign the job contract. Use it to ask for more money to match your current pay.

compensation

Total pay package, including salary, bonuses, and benefits. Compare your 'current compensation' when negotiating.

bridge the gap

To fill or make up a difference, like between your current and new salary. It's a polite way to suggest extra pay.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

We're very pleased to extend a job offer for the Senior Software Engineer position.

This is a formal way to offer a job. Use it when giving an offer; 'extend' means to formally provide, and 'pleased' shows positive feeling. Useful for professional emails or calls.

Could you please walk me through the details of the offer?

A polite request for explanation. 'Walk me through' is an idiom meaning to explain step by step. Great for interviews to show interest without being pushy.

The base salary is $120,000 annually, with a 10% target bonus.

Describes pay structure clearly. 'Annually' means per year; 'target bonus' is the expected extra pay. Use this pattern to state offer details factually.

Regarding the base salary, is there any flexibility on that figure?

Starts negotiation politely. 'Regarding' means 'about'; 'flexibility' asks if it can change. Useful when discussing salary without being rude.

We might have a little room for negotiation on the signing bonus.

Shows possible compromise. 'Room for negotiation' means space to discuss changes. It's a common phrase in business to keep talks open.

Would it be possible to consider a signing bonus of $15,000 to help bridge that gap?

A specific negotiation request. 'Would it be possible' is polite for suggestions; 'bridge that gap' means to cover the difference. Use in salary talks to propose numbers.

Let me discuss that with the team, and I'll get back to you.

Buys time in negotiations. 'Get back to you' means contact later. It's professional and shows you're considering their request seriously.

When can I expect to hear back regarding the signing bonus?

Asks for a timeline politely. 'Expect to hear back' means when to wait for a reply. Useful to keep the process moving in job offers.