How do you respond to a rejected salary increase? (2024)

How do you respond to a rejected salary increase?

What to Say: “I really appreciate that, and benefits are an important part of the package. But I would be more comfortable if we could find a way to meet in the middle about the salary. Is there any way to find flexibility in that number, given my experience level and strong credentials?”

Failing to negotiate your salary may have consequences on your retirement savings, as well. If you're lucky enough to work for an employer that offers a 401(k), the higher your salary, the more money you'll save when you contribute 3-5 percent of your salary.

I'm thrilled about the prospect of joining your team and would happily accept your offer if you could match this base salary. I understand that this figure may be above your planned budget, but I'm flexible and willing to find a solution that works for both of us. Thank you again for your offer.

If you're sure that you want to decline, consider saying something like this: "I appreciate the offer and your time, but I can't accept this position at the salary you're offering. If the salary range is something that can be negotiated, please let me know."

Decide whether to walk. “If you feel that nothing you do will result in a raise because the company is just not interested in sharing the wealth, then it may be time to leave,” says Thistle. “If you make a move to a new company there will likely be a new and better compensation package.”

Technically, two years could be considered the maximum time you should expect between raises, but don't allow it to go that long. If you wait to start your job search until 24 months have passed, you may not be in a new job until you're going on a third year of wage stagnation.

Should you respond to a rejection text?

"All they're really saying is, 'We're not a good fit,' or 'You're not my type. ' It's not rejection. It's just information." So, the next time you get a rejection text from someone, instead of being hard on yourself, shoot off one of these messages to defuse the awkwardness and help you start bouncing back.

While I am disappointed that my experience isn't quite what you are looking for in this position, I am still very interested in your company. I would appreciate your further consideration should another position become available that you feel would be a better fit for my skills.

“Dear [Hiring Manager Name], Thank you for getting back to me about your hiring decision. While I'm disappointed to hear that I was not selected for the [Job Title] position, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to interview for the job and meet some of the members of your team.

Failing to negotiate your salary may have consequences on your retirement savings, as well. If you're lucky enough to work for an employer that offers a 401(k), the higher your salary, the more money you'll save when you contribute 3-5 percent of your salary.

Negotiating a salary is a crucial part of accepting a new position, but botching this step can cost a candidate the job. And even if the fallout isn't quite as severe, the outcome of salary negotiations can damage the employee's ability to succeed at work. The problem is, few of us have negotiating skills.

But you should know that in almost every case, the company expects you to negotiate and it's in your best interest to give it a shot. In fact, a study by Salary.com found 84% of employers expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage.

Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.