Don’t lose the job offer by negotiating the verbal offer
Many job seekers feel like they've crossed the finish line after getting a verbal job offer—only to see it disappear or rescinded when negotiations start.
Hi there,
Many job seekers feel like they've crossed the finish line after getting a verbal job offer—only to see it disappear or rescinded when negotiations start.
The verbal offer stage is one of the trickiest parts of negotiating a new role because the company indicates interest but nothing is binding yet.
You may be tempted to share too much information or push the envelope with negotiations at this point.
But that can actually cost you the offer.
Here's exactly how to navigate this delicate stage.
(Side note: We also talked about navigating the verbal offer in the latest episode of our Gentle Power podcast, watch here!)
Why Verbal Offers Can Mislead
Companies often frame verbal offers as:
“The team really liked you. We'd like to extend an offer. What do you think of this number?”
This sounds promising, right?
But you have less security than you think you do at this stage.
Multiple verbal offers can go out to multiple candidates, but only one written offer per position is provided at any given time.
Always politely push for a written offer first, which gives you greater leverage and security before you negotiate terms.
Real-Life Cautionary Tales
Consider these scenarios we recently encountered with job seekers we personally know:
The "AI Company" Slip-Up:
One candidate interviewing with Google mentioned she had an offer from an "AI company." Harmless detail?
Not quite.
Recruiters inferred it was likely a smaller, pre-IPO startup—and thus likely lower compensation—leading to a lower initial Google offer.
Big Tech vs. Startup Clash:
Another candidate proudly mentioned an Amazon offer while interviewing at a startup led by ex-Meta engineers.
Rather than increasing her leverage, it signaled potential culture mismatch and nearly derailed her negotiations entirely.
These examples underline how small details can unintentionally harm your negotiation power. And it’s especially important to preserve your leverage if you haven’t received a written offer yet, because the offer isn't fully secured before then.
How to Handle the Verbal Offer Stage
Here's our recommended approach:
Express gratitude and enthusiasm:
“Thank you! I'm very excited about the possibility of joining the team.”
Ask politely for details in writing:
“Could you please share the full details in a written offer? I'd like to review everything carefully.”
Avoid negotiating aggressively until the written offer is secure:
Hold your major negotiation points until you're the confirmed candidate.
Never overshare:
Be especially mindful not to share information about your target comp/number/range or details of other offers or companies you’re interviewing with.
And do not share details about your personal life, even if they may seem harmless. This includes family planning, big life decisions such as wanting to move to a new city or country, health issues, etc.
Even if in some cases it may be illegal for companies to count things such as family planning against your candidacy, you do not want to risk even subconscious bias to work against you.
The Golden Rule:
Less is more when it comes to details about competing offers and personal situations.
Protect your leverage.
Want personalized help?
Navigating the tricky verbal offer stage can make or break your final compensation package.
Book a free consultation call and let's strategize your next negotiation step together!
Or simply reply here with any questions.
Warmly,
Gerta & Alex
Co-founders, YourNegotiations.com
P.S. For more tips and real-life scripts, grab our free worksheets at YourNegotiations.com.
P.P.S. Get $1000 for every client referral.
All you need to send is an intro email.
Just reply to this email and CC your friend. We'll honor this bonus for every client that signs with us by the end of April.