She told me her minimum salary $ requirement after our 2nd interview.
It was her “bottom line” and assured me that she would accept the job if that amount was offered.
I offered her the job at 10% HIGHER than “her bottom line. ” She accepted the job on the spot!
Although the salary offered was BEYOND my hiring budget, there was no way that I would let this fall through as my business desperately needed her expertise.
She was extremely talented with GREAT references to back it up.
This was not a time to “cheap out” with a job offer.
To me it was an investment. Investing in hiring a great candidate will pay dividends even if a salary exceeds the budget.
Employers (if possible) make your highest and best offer up front.
A “low ball” offer can backfire and may send the wrong message. In addition a rejected offer can mean starting all over again in the hiring process. Can you afford that?
A newly hired employee wants to feel valued and excited to start a new job. Even a little bit more money makes a difference financially and emotionally.
Make an offer that someone can’t refuse.
(Like Don Corleone in “The Godfather.”)
I am Bernie Reifkind, CEO and Managing Principle at Premier Search.