Never compromise on your worth!

Today midday I received an offer letter from the company for which I had interviewed and finally got selected after rigorous rounds of interviews. The offer made by them is unacceptable to me and has left me disappointed and disheartened. I wanted to join this company, but now I don’t think I will be able to do so considering the low-ball offer given by them. I usually don’t respond in anger, but this pathetic offer needed to be replied to strongly, and this is what I have done. I know that HR is not at blame here, but knowing the way Indian HR’s behave and act, I don’t feel any remorse while sending this strong email in response to their offer. I am sharing the letter with others who are in a similar situation as me, and this draft email could also help them in framing a reply for their prospective employers.

I am confident in my skills, in what I bring to the table, and I know my worth, and this email is just to make the company people also realize that. If they don’t have the budget to afford a person of my calibre, then why waste anyone’s time any further? I think long term and based on such an offer, I can’t think about working for them for a long period of time.

Dear Ms XxX,

First, I would like to thank you for your interest in me. Your confidence in my abilities is very encouraging. I look forward to contributing to the success of your organization and being a valuable member of your professional team.

Having said that, I can’t help but point out my disappointment with the salary and benefits offered to me. I had something else in mind, and I feel I should share it with you.

I think it would only be fair if my pay would project my level of experience and extensive skills. I’m sure you agree with me on this point. I am aware of the market’s standard for someone at my level, and I believe that your offer is slightly less than that. My enthusiasm and commitment are your guarantees for quality work that will exceed your expectation. I want to give one hundred percent of my abilities, but it would be much easier if I was one hundred percent satisfied with the compensation. It’s a win-win situation for both of us.

I’ve been considering (Company’s name) offer and everything sounds good, although I would like to discuss the post and the base salary component.

1. The post offered is not the same as the one I was initially informed and interviewed for. I interviewed for the position of ‘(Job designation)’ but, to my surprise, the post mentioned in the offer letter is stated as ‘(XyZ).’ I would like clarification in this regard and kindly consider doing the needful to change it to the post for which I had interviewed.

2. The compensation package offered is far below what I currently make at my job (the proof of which I had duly submitted with my earlier mail). I would like you to kindly consider those details for the offer. The offer was for Rs. XxX base salary + 10% variable, and I understand that there are other benefits included with the offer. But in order to be comfortable accepting the offer and making this transition, the base salary needs to be Rs ABC + 10% variable.

3. In the salary breakup ‘Gratuity’ is considered a part of CTC for which I will be eligible for only after 5 years of working relationship with (Company name), so kindly consider removing it from CTC and adding the same amount under the allowances section.

4. The length of the probation period is not mentioned in the offer letter. Also, please clarify the confirmation increment once the probation period is over.

5. As I will be needed to travel for work purposes, it would be helpful if you can share the travel entitlements and policy for domestic and international travel.

6. As mentioned in the offer letter, I will be required to report to the XXX manager, kindly share a hierarchy on where I will fit in the organization.

7. The CTC breakup mentions a medical allowance for Rs. XxX. How will this amount be disbursed?

8. What are the medical benefits for the cadre for which I had interviewed.

I am confident that you appreciate my argument and I kindly ask you to reconsider your offer.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I am not expecting a revised offer from the company, and I have already started to look for other job opportunities. My confidence is high after cracking this interview and I will try to carry forward this momentum and land a better paying job.

P.S. My fellow job seekers always remember this ‘Know your worth and fight for what you believe you deserve.’