The phone rings, the hiring manager says the job is yours, and they ask what you think. That’s the moment it’s easiest to give away your room to negotiate, usually with a happy “yes, sounds great”. If you want to talk about the terms, do it after the offer arrives and before you accept. Here’s how to use that window without putting the offer at risk.
Say thanks, then ask for it in writing
Tell them you’re pleased and that you want the role. Then ask for the offer in writing, and when they’d like an answer. A day or two to look it over is a normal request.
Acas tells employers that a job offer can be made verbally but is better in writing, to avoid misunderstandings later on. Its guidance says an offer letter should set out the salary, hours, benefits, pension, holiday, place of work, start date and any probationary period. With that in front of you, you’re negotiating over the real terms rather than what you remember from the call.
Why a quick yes to an offer can close the door
GOV.UK says a job offer, and accepting it, can be verbal or in writing. Once you’ve accepted an unconditional offer, you’re in a legally binding contract of employment. So a cheerful yes on the phone can settle more than you meant it to. You can still ask for things afterwards, but the employer has far less reason to agree.
Check whether the offer is conditional, for example on references or a health check. GOV.UK advises waiting for an unconditional offer before handing in your notice, because a conditional one could fall through.
Pick the one thing that matters most
Before you reply, decide what you’d most like to change. It might be the base salary. It could just as easily be the start date, a day working from home, or how commission and targets are set. If you need help working out a fair figure for the role, our guide to knowing your worth covers the research side.
Keep the list short. One clear request with a reason tied to the role is easier to agree to than five small ones. If you gave a salary figure earlier in the process, expect the employer to remember it, and have a good reason ready if you’re now asking for more.
Ask once, with everything on the table
Have the conversation by phone or video, then confirm what you agreed by email so you both have a record. Say you want the job, name what you’re asking for, give your reason, and ask whether there’s any flexibility. Something like: “I’m keen to accept. Is there any flexibility on the base, given the targets attached to the role?” Then let them answer.
Put everything into that one conversation. Coming back for extra holiday after the salary has been agreed feels like moving the goalposts, and it’s usually where goodwill starts to run out. Don’t mention another offer unless you really have one.
Let your recruiter do the asking
If you came through an agency, your consultant can raise a figure or a start date with the employer without it coming from you directly. They’ll often have a sense of how much room the budget has. Be honest with them about the figure you’d accept and any other processes you’re in. A surprise at the last stage is hard to fix.
Check what you’ll actually take home
Two offers with the same salary won’t always leave the same amount in your account. GOV.UK confirms that if you live in Scotland you pay Scottish Income Tax, which has its own rates and bands, so a move across the border can change your take-home pay. Pension contributions and commuting costs come out of the same pay packet, so factor them in. Compare the real figures before you decide which offer is better.
If the answer is no
Sometimes the budget really is fixed. Ask whether anything else can move, or whether they’d agree to a pay review after your probation and confirm that in writing.
Then decide honestly whether the job suits you on the terms offered. If it does, accept warmly and move on. If it doesn’t, decline politely, because you may well come across that hiring manager again. Our post on making your next career move with confidence can help if you’re still weighing it up.
Final Thoughts
Negotiating a job offer comes down to timing more than nerve. Get the offer in writing, decide on the one thing that matters most, and ask before you say yes. Done calmly, it’s a normal part of being hired.
Looking for your next role? Get in touch with Recruiting Talent.