Quick, to the internet! Negotiating with boss when you've been offered another job

Participant · 3 May 2009 at 16:07

Hi all

I know that each circumstance is different and that different tactics need to be applied to different scenarios, but I'd be interested to hear how, with respect to negotiations, you've dealt with a situation in which you're working somewhere and have been offered another position at a different company.

I've been at my current place for two years, and have an ad hoc review on Tuesday, at my request, where I intend to ask for a significant payrise, as they're getting, in my opinion, great value for money from me. I have also been offered a 30% payrise at another company, and am weighing up to myself how hardball to play it. If they won't come anywhere near what I think is reasonable, do I tell them straight away that I've had another offer, or do I go back the following day and hand in my notice, explaining that I've enjoyed working there but I feel it's time to move on for my development etc., at which point they will potentially counter offer?

I don't want to burn any bridges and affect my 'professional reputation', so I don't want to upset my current employers, if only as I may need them as referees. Ideally I will push my current employers as far as they will go so that it will make the decision as to whether to move harder, so I'd be glad to hear of strategies from people with more experience in this than me since this is only my second job out of uni.

Please assume that I'm indifferent between the two companies but for salary. What's also significant is that they currently have no idea that I've gone for interviews.

How do I play it?

Cheers

EffBee · 3 May 2009 at 16:16

My immediate thought is that you will **** people off if you start playing games with them. What about just coming straight out with a version of the truth and let your current employer decide if they want you stay at higher rate of pay.

The more normal approach, based on my experiences, is to hand in your notice, then wait for the quiet little chat where they might ask what it would take to make you stay (if they want you that is).

2bit · 3 May 2009 at 16:24

EffBee said:
My immediate thought is that you will **** people off if you start playing games with them. What about just coming straight out with a version of the truth and let your current employer decide if they want you stay at higher rate of pay.

The more normal approach, based on my experiences, is to hand in your notice, then wait for the quiet little chat where they might ask what it would take to make you stay (if they want you that is).

Quite right. If your current employer has been decent then don't try to shaft them - be honest. They will make an offer if they think you're worth it.

Diggsy · 3 May 2009 at 16:35

As above really. But it will depend on if you really want to move to the new company or if you prefer where you are. Only you know that though.

Money is not the be-all-end-all, as I am sure you know. A good employer to work for and somewhere you are settled and happy means a lot more IMHO.

If you have no ties and are quite happy to move on, then I say just be straight with them and say you have been offered another job and tell them the new salary offer.

If they take it badly and just tell you to move on, then your decision has been made for you.

If however, you would prefer to work where you are now, I would be very careful about how you approach this. I would not breath a word of the other job offer and simply try to come to an agreement on salary.

Decide what salary you want/need and start a little higher, leaving room for negotiation. If need be mention other similar positions in the local area and what they are paying, but say nothing about the job offer.

bigchez · 3 May 2009 at 17:49

Purely money is very infrequently the true reason for someone to think about moving jobs. As you have been through the motions of interviews etc in order to be offered the other position, you must have been thinking about leaving for sometime - if you are offered more dosh, will that fully overcome your reason for wanting to move?

If you accept a counter offer, the chances are you will be looking again within 6 months anyway. As soon as you mention another position any trust you had built up with your current employer is out of the window, they will always question your loyalty long-term and they will be thinking of where to source your (cheaper) replacement from. Where is the extra dosh coming from all of a sudden anyway? If they really felt you were worth it you'd have it anyway, all they will be doing with a counter offer by increasing salary is bringing forward future payrises anyway.

Its a dangerous game fishing for an increased salary using another job as leverage - if you want to move, move if not then don't, just remember what your true motivator was in the first place as I would be extremely surprised if it was just money not progression/opportunity/extra responsibility/more prestigious company/location/etc.

me227 · 3 May 2009 at 17:53

Assuming you enjoy working in your current position I'd tell them this but say you've been offered a 30% payrise somewhere else.

Shows you're commited and it'll put the ball in their court.

m4cc45 · 3 May 2009 at 18:12

Agree with the above. Be honest and tell them that you've been offered a postion at £x. If you really do enjoy working where you are then say this. Also state that you would love to stay but you have to think about your financial future.

Do not say any of the above though unless you are ready to walk as you may well end up having the company say that they can't do anything salary wise.

M.

Eriedor · 3 May 2009 at 18:32

Just be straight and simple. Something along the lines of

"I'd like to continue my employment here but feel my salary is below the current market rate, is there anything you can do?"

I wouldn't come out saying you've found another job, may undermine their trust in you.