Negotiating McKinsey Offer after switching countries

Question

Hi prep lounge community,

I received an offer from McKinsey USA, but given my need for VISA sponsorship and the long delays and low approval rates for H1-B visas, it was decided that I'd be hired into a non-US office, and potentially transfer into the USA later. The possibility exists that I could stay in the new country permanently, assuming I like it there.

I just reviewed the new offer and it's significantly different from the US offer - lower in almost every category, in some cases, by a significant amount. I'm already taking a net pay cut, as I'm moving from a country where living expenses are significantly lower, and my salary will be about the same after taxes.

So, I know salaries are non-negotiable. I'm aware that career (and hence salary) progression is much faster than the industry I'm in, so I can get over that. But I was relying on the large signing bonus to somewhat offset that in years 1 and 2 until the first promotion, but the performanc and signing bonus in this offer I received from the other country are much lower. Anyone have experience negotiating those aspects of compensation, especially in a context where you already received an offer from a different country?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Say this: “I was relying on the large signing bonus to somewhat offset that in years 1 and 2 until the first promotion, but the performance and signing bonus in this offer I received from the other country are much lower”

Despite some other commentary there is a science to this :). Do the math to figure out the exact difference in salary over 2 years. Then ask for that number in signing bonus. Provide the reasoning above.

They may counter, but you should at least get a bump.

Answer 2

Hello!

I have worked in Amazon both Europe and US and the difference was -50%, literally… Feel free to reach out if you want to further discuss, since I found some room for negotiation.

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 3

You have some room to negotiate, but there isn't a lot of science to it. You'll have to ask for a higher sign up bonus or relocation support, and explain your reasoning. They have a bit of flexibility, and given the shortage of talent they may be willing to adjust their offer. Just understand that it is a bit, not a lot.

Answer 4

Hi there,

I would explain to them precisely what you wrote here. Situations were the compensation is negotiated are rather the exception than the rule, but it's worth trying out especially if you have a special context such as yours.

Best,

Cristian

Answer 5

Hey there,

Transparency is key in these situations. Communicate exactly what you have done here + support it with concrete data. I would highlight the given facts to your new local HR. There might be some room to negotiate.

Fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 6

Hello,

Salaries are negotiable to some extent! I would reach out to HR, say that you are excited about the offer, and then politely explain exactly what you have said here and see whether there is any room for negotiation.

Answer 7

I've seen several cases for McKinsey US vs. London. Unfortunately there isn't much leeway where the Firm tends to see it as them doing you a favour by giving you an option to still join. It's also worth noting that entry level BA/ASC salaries have a very small spread. If I were in your shoes, I would ask for the same sign on bonus (as the US) and see if they can give you a (small) bump, especially if you are a strong candidate whom they are keen on.

Answer 8

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer!

As you said, the base salary is normally non-negotiable in strategy consulting. However, you may be able to negotiate:

The signing bonus
The relocation bonus
The seniority you join

The easier way to negotiate is to have an “opportunity cost” due to another offer. Technically, your previous offer is not a real opportunity cost as you cannot join in the US if you want, but you can definitely bring that point.

If you want to learn more about negotiation, I would recommend “Never split the difference” by Chris Voss, which includes some great tips.

Hope this helps,

Francesco