Don't phrase it as an ultimatum, but phrase as an awareness that you have and that you're looking forward to joining, but want to do so in a way that sets you & the company up for long-term success. You understand that offers have gone out for significantly more than what you've been offered - for the same position. Based on your qualifications, you consider yourself to be bringing the same value as those being offered more and would like them to re-examine how they valued you.

Be polite but confident. If they rescind the offer, you'll still walk away knowing your worth.

Anonymous wrote:Let me guess, you are a woman and the colleague who received the better offer is a man.

This happened to me. Same office/company she was also a woman - six years younger and white. I am black. It tainted the whole experience for me and I was happy to leave 2 years later. Just never felt right.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP this totally sucks, but this is an opportunity! You now know the value of true value of the position. Negotiate and play hardball, "I get X or I don't take it."

I have a position open and parameters are set. Give me an ultimatum and you will walk.

So be it. Now she knows her worth and doesn't have to work at a job where she knows she is significantly underpaid from day 1.

This would make me want to sue, honestly, and I am not a litigous person. The gender wage gap is so blatant!