my experience has been to always counter.  they usually low ball you the first time they make you an offer.

Do you buy a car on the first offer?

Just kidding on the last post.



You should counter offer but it seems now a days the offers are pretty standard based on your local area mclagin quintile.



what was the deal and whats your T12 & AUM #'s & LOS?

Definitely counter, and going for a big chunk of comp. stock  upfront(if it’s any good) is a great “oh, by the way,” piece of the negotiation.

My AUM, are 50mm, T-12 is 575, LOS =7. 

What was the % up front, and what were the requirements for the back end?

80% up front, with the possibility of 90% more on back end, assuming you hit all the numbers.  The numbers were not unrealistic, assuming there is not another massive correction in the overall market.

[quote=duster10]A recruiter set up a meeting with a WireHouse a couple months ago.  I was having a bad day, I had no idea who the recruiter was, so I took the meeting.  Well, I “gelled” with the manager I met with, and now talks are getting serious.  I have no previous experience with transitioning, and I have ZERO idea who the recruiter was (they never called back), so here is the question:  Can you counter offer, or is it not wise??  I feel like the upfront money is a little lean, but the back end bogey’s seem very achievable.  Any advice appreciated.[/quote]

1) yes, counter- but be specific on what you want changed and make a case for why you are asking for something more.

2) On the recruiter that never called you back… what an ass. The good ones have worked up hundreds or more deals with firms and take an active role in making things happen. What sucks here is that the firm is going to pay that idiot 6% of your entering T-12 for making a call and nothing more. I personally would never work with a recruiter who does not touch me multiple times and earn some trust. If I can’t do a little web research, find a reputable firm with an office and some history- no way. Some, certainly not all, but some do nothing but ‘cover’ a market with names and scant submissions to firms in the hope that they land somebody here and there vs. actively work with both the candidate and the client to ensure all 3 parties get a fair and beneficial deal. I’ve seen this in my past as a manager and it always pissed me off to cut a check to the guy because the firm was contractually obligated when that loser dropped a name in my lap but never followed up or helped me ‘close’ the candidate.

This recruiter was obviously a guy that works out of his garage and has no idea who he is speaking with.  It is one of those things you want to check ahead of time and ask the recruiter for the company website or contact information.  That will give you an idea of the recruiter’s reputation.  It’s guys like that that give’s someone like myself who has been in the business for over 15 years a bad name. 

Not to be a jerk, but I do not fault the recruiter.  They dialed a number, and my have gotten lucky.  I just simply want to know what is considered acceptable and appropriate. 

Ask them for the Ted Danson deal or you’re walkin!

I have had several firms try to recruit me and my observation is that EVERYTHING is negotiable if you are who they are looking for. Even if they say “we do not make special deals”, if you can convince them you are the next zillion dollar producer, they will up the deal.