Prospect: "The offered salary doesn’t match my expectations."
You: "I completely understand, [Prospect’s Name]. Salary is an important part of any career decision, and it’s essential to feel that the offer aligns with your skills and experience."
"If you don’t mind me asking, could you share what salary range you had in mind? That will help me understand where there’s a gap and how we can bridge it."
"One thing I’d also like to highlight is that this role comes with [mention any benefits like health insurance, flexible work options, professional development, or performance bonuses]. For many candidates, these additional perks add significant value beyond just the base salary."
"That said, I’m here to represent your interests, and I’d be happy to go back to the employer to discuss whether there’s any flexibility on their end. We want to make sure you’re comfortable and feel valued in this role. Would it help if I communicated your expectations to them and explored options?"
Offer to advocate on their behalf by communicating their salary expectations to the employer, or go over the total compensation package to highlight any additional value.
Example:
"Let’s go over the total compensation package so you can see all the benefits included. I’m also happy to discuss your expectations with the employer and explore whether there’s any room for flexibility. Does that sound good?"
Understanding Their Expectations: Show that you’re open to understanding their ideal salary range, making it clear that you value their input.
Total Compensation Package: Highlight any additional benefits, bonuses, or perks that add value to the offer and may help bridge the gap between their expectations and the current offer.
Advocacy and Negotiation: Reassure them that you’ll advocate on their behalf by communicating their expectations to the employer and exploring whether there’s flexibility in the budget.
Commitment to Their Satisfaction: Emphasize that you’re committed to finding a compensation package that aligns with their skills and experience, ensuring they feel valued and comfortable.