I got a job offer at a small company. The founders are upper middle age and a bit intimidating but very smart people. I want to join them because I feel a lot of learning and growing opportunities there. But they don't seem to be very open to negotiation and are trying to pay me less than the market rate.
After a few messages, I still have not made much progress and they don't seem to be very open to negotiation. I even tried to say "Salary you are offering is below the market rate and other offers I got and I have to think about think about the offer" to scare them a bit, but it is not working much.
Now I have a meeting with them soon on Monday. I requested them to schedule it so I can ask some questions about the job and working conditions.
I want to bring up this part again. I have received more competitive job offers including one from a very small startup with unlimited work from home possibilities so I am honestly disappointed in their offer. I am wondering what points should I bring up during the meeting to increase the chance of a better job offer.
Some of the points I can think of:
A) Mention other job offers and their benefits
B) Show them my open source contributions.
I don't know if these are good points.
They also mentioned they have a performance review after 6 months and to rather wait for it instead of asking for a higher salary now. That way they will have something to confidently evaluate my skill level. I don't know if it is a good idea and if I can trust them.
While a little bit underpaid, I still feel joining them can be a very good move for me in the long term. I am still considering accepting the offer anyway because of the possibility to grow. Maybe I will also be able to show my self-worth while working there.
My question is what are the points I can bring up during the meeting to increase my chances of a better job offer? I believe there is no harm in trying to negotiate. Even it don't work in this case, I will learn a valuable skill.
Update: I am working there for 1.5 months now. Turn out the company is excellent. It's very relaxed place and everything is pretty great there too. Even if I don't get any raise after 6 months, I will still be very glad to work there because of other perks.