Counter to my counter offer?

[tonto]

Should I expect a prospective employer to counter my counter-offer? All negotiation is being done via email so there is no live-discussion where a counter-counter would be easy.

[Westley]

Depends on a lot of things, but it wouldn't be unusual. For example, they may have offered you $x, you asked for 1.2X, and the maximum salary for the position they have is 1.1X. So, they would counter with 1.1X if they really want you, or they may just go to the next person on their list, if they don't.

[tonto]

Let's assume I am only asking for 1.05X plus extra vacation.

[Westley]

Still possible.

I would rarely quibble over 5%, just tell them yes or no.

The extra vacation - depends. A lot of companies have no latitude on vacation. Unless you are actually losing days from your current job, it's a tough argument, and even then, they may not be able to do anything.

[The Matrix]

Firms usually only throw out the HR manual for people who bring something of tremendous value to the table. You know; people like CEOs.

Unless you're a force of nature in your professional niche, you may want to think about increasing your "bump" (i.e. the 5% piece) to include a subjective valuation of those lost vacation days.