Need salary negotiation advice before I decend into a mental spiral lol
Need some advice before I send this initial offer salary negotiation email.
Background/history:
I applied to a job I really want a few months ago. The interviews with the hiring manager (VP) went really well. He wanted to move me forward and get me an offer, but that took several weeks because the CEO, who apparently approves the offer details and salary, was on vacation for a while. He's back and my offer finally came through from HR.
The job posting salary was 111k-167k. On my job application, I'd put 130k-140k. As well as reiterated that range to the hiring manager, which he said he'd advocate for me as its not his decision.
HR offered me 115k. When I talked to her, I asked if it was negotiable, which she seemed a bit shy about, but ultimatley said they usually start new hires in the lower half of the range, based on experience, etc. And the best she could do is to try to see and get approval, etc. "Doesn't hurt to ask." is pretty much what she said.
So, with the initial 115k offer, and trying not to come in over the half-way mark of the full range, my current negotiation email is this:
>Hi [HR Contact],
>Thank you again for taking the time to discuss the offer. I really appreciated learning more from [Hiring Manager] about the role, and I remain very excited about joining [the company].
>I wanted to follow up on the base salary. The offer of $115,000 came in below the $130,000 - $140,000 range I discussed with [Hiring Manager] earlier in the process. Given my XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX certifications, along with my experience supporting [the relevant industry] programs through merger integration, XXX, XXX, and XX initiatives, I'd like to propose $135,000.
>If there's limited flexibility on the base itself, I'm also glad to talk through other ways to bridge the gap, such as a signing bonus or an earlier compensation review after six months. My priority is finding an arrangement that works well for both sides, and I'm confident I can add real value right away.
>Thank you again for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.
>[Me]
I'm expecting/hoping they might come back around 130k which is technically just the bottom of the range I originally gave them.
Would appreciate thoughts on whether that's a reasonable place to land, or whether I should push further given the original offer undercut my stated range so badly. Also open to advice on how to respond if they come back with something under 130k.
Also noteworthy: they are in a HCOL area, where as I'd be remote working from a LCOL area. Maybe they are factoring that in?
Thanks!