A Career Hackers’ Classic, read the full post here on LinkedIn.


Negotiating your salary can be unpleasant, but it’s crucial not to make mistakes during this part of your job interview.

Even worse is failing to negotiate at all, which can cost you thousands of $$. The biggest mistake people make is being afraid to ask for more, but hiring managers almost always expect candidates to negotiate.

Don’t fall into the common pitfalls and remember that you have room to negotiate at any career level.

With that said, here are the 7 most essential points to take note of when you negotiate your salary:

1. The first offer is just the starting point

Most companies expect job candidates to negotiate, but many fail.

It’s a fact that 68% of those who didn’t negotiate later regretted it and 43% of people didn’t do it.

When offered a job, take time to consider it, and if appropriate, counter with a higher salary, bonus, health benefits, or vacation.

Remember that the person you’re negotiating with expects it, so stay calm, don’t accept the first offer, and do your research. You have an advantage knowing they want you, so use it intelligently.

2. It is not personal

During salary negotiations, remember that it’s a business decision for the company to find the best candidate they can afford. Taking it personally won’t help, as they’re seeking the best return on investment.

If you’re not their first choice, don’t take it as an insult. Emotions can lead to errors, so stay calm and level-headed.

3. Don’t Go Over the Fence with Counteroffers

Negotiating is good, but don’t overdo it. Pick the most important aspects to focus on, and avoid bringing up new things after a drawn-out negotiation.
Too many trips to the well could burn bridges.

4. Don’t Talk about Salary Too Soon

It’s best to let the hiring manager reveal the first salary number.

First, make sure they really want you and then negotiate from there, backed by research. Having the offer strengthens your bargaining position.

5. Make Sure You Consider Non-salary Items

Your base salary isn’t the only negotiable part of a job offer. If the employer can’t increase the base pay, you can negotiate a signing bonus, stock options, relocation package, or extra vacation time.

Tailor your negotiation to suit your needs.

6. Make sure you get it in writing

Get job offers in writing, always. Verbal promises are often broken, and without written proof, it becomes your word against theirs. This is especially true in large organizations with lots of paperwork. Ink on paper – always!

7. Consider Your Employer’s Needs

When negotiating, it’s important to balance self-confidence with empathy for the hiring manager.

Negotiation involves compromise, so don’t take things too far. Remember that the employer has budget constraints, so work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.


A Powerful Excerpt from the blog:

“The crucial element of negotiating salary is to remember that the person you’re negotiating with expects it. It’s a routine part of looking for a job, so try not to let your emotions make you soft on the negotiation”


A Career Hackers’ Classic, read the full post here on LinkedIn.


Radu Palamariu is a Headhunter in Supply Chain/Tech/ Transport, a co-author for #SourceToSold and is in #LinkedInTopVoices.