Don't address one item and then move to another. Be upfront about all of your concerns at once. If I moved up on salary and then had a prospect re-counter on title, I'd pull the offer.
Thanks for your advice. I sent my concerns before receiving an offer letter now. Before I was hoping to get a first number from them, but it would definitely cause them more bureaucratic resistance to change offers.
When HR brings up past salary as a justification for an existing offer, simply bring up that salaries are only a component of compensation and overall engagement. Tell them that you respect their viewpoint and understand whatever decision they come to, but you don't believe their offer matches your current market value.
I'd recommend being very polite, but direct with the recruiter.
"I appreciate your generous offer and would love to join the team! The role is exciting and the team is fantastic. The current offer feels like it comes in a bit under market both in terms of title and compensation.
I am ready to accept an offer at the initial level at a starting salary of <$$$$>. I totally understand if this doesn't work for the broader team, but I want to make sure our partnership starts off in alignment to ensure a mutually beneficial long-term relationship."
Written on my mobile, so it's a VERY rough draft, but something like that.
Don't let people under pay you, but also be realistic w/ your talent level.
