Increasing offer at the final stage

Question

All right, so I am currently employed, and I'm looking for some new opportunities. I found two companies - in one I'm waiting for a decision after 2nd tech interview, in the second I have passed everything and got the "offer-interview" scheduled this week. I'll talk about the second:

During the very first hr talk I made a mistake and told too low salary requirements - let's say 5k$/month. I would want 6k$/month instead. I got to the final stage now, they even called me to confirm the salary, I did. I have a final interview scheduled now, yet I still have to inform them about this salary increase.

The job advertisement for this position has very high salary range - let's say 8k$ - 14k$/month. It's very high for the location, that's why I was aiming lower (which is still pretty high). It's also a big international corporation.

So - how should I approach informing them about my salary requirements increase? Should I call them before the interview, or tell about it face to face? Should I tell them that I have a counter offer, and that's where my increase come from? How does my situation look like?

Answer 1

Wait for an offer, but be prepared with your reason to ask for more. It is possible you've learned more about this position during the interview process. When were you given the complete list of benefits? How long have you had to think about the position?

You're always going to justify any increase, so get in the practice of understanding what you're worth.

Answer 2

The company said they value the work at between $8k and $14k per month. You walked in and said you'd do it for $5k per month. They called you back to confirm, and you did so. Now you want to tell them $6k per month. You have two problems.

1. You are going back on your (confirmed) requested salary. They already know you will do the work for $5k per month, so you have no leverage to request more at this point. Also, it will make them believe - correctly - that you didn't put proper thought into estimating your salary expectations.

2. You asked for much less than the company estimated the position is worth. Don't do this. You are shortchanging yourself and you are sending the message that you are less valuable than other candidates for the same position.

Don't lie about a fictional counteroffer. Just own up and explain that after further reflection on the job requirements, you think $6k per month is a reasonable salary. It's still going to be strange that you're offering to work far below the minimum they offered, but you can't realistically come back and ask for $8k at this point. They might just rubber stamp it ($5k, $6k, what's the difference when you're under the minimum) or they might stand their ground because they know you'll take $5k.

Next time don't low-ball yourself!