When to Negotiate a Higher Salaryâand When to Hit Pause
Negotiating a salary can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the job search process. We've all heard the advice: "Never accept the first offer!" or "Always negotiate your salary!" But is that really the best approach? Recently, I was tagged in a LinkedIn post where someone shared their nightmare experience of having a job offer rescinded after trying to negotiate a higher salary. Itâs a scenario thatâs become all too common, and it got me thinkingâitâs time we had an honest conversation about when itâs okay to negotiate and when you should hold back.
The Danger of "One-Size-Fits-All" Advice â ď¸
First off, letâs talk about the generic advice thatâs out there. Youâve probably heard it beforeâ"Never accept the first offer," or "If you donât negotiate, youâre leaving money on the table." As a career coach whoâs been in this game for over 20 years, I can tell you that this advice drives me nuts! Why? Because every situation is unique. Thereâs no universal rule that says you should always negotiate. Blanket advice can be harmful, especially when it doesnât take into account the complexities of your specific situation.
A New Job Market Requires New Tactics
Weâre in the midst of a "once-in-a-generation job search recession" for white-collar workers. Companies are tightening their belts, cutting costs, and keeping a close eye on the bottom line. And with more states requiring companies to post salary ranges, the flexibility to negotiate has become more limited. When a company lists a salary range, itâs not just a suggestionâthey often mean it. So, if youâre deep into the interview process, understand that continuing forward usually signals youâre okay with a salary within that range.
Timing Is Everything: When to Talk Money â
If that salary range doesnât sit well with you, donât wait until the offer stage to bring it up. Instead, address it early in the processâright after the first interview is a good time. Imagine this: youâve made it past the first round, and now youâre gearing up for round two. This is when you should say, "I really appreciate the opportunity, and Iâm excited about the role, but I want to make sure weâre on the same page regarding salary. My ideal range is X to Yâdoes that align with your budget?" By doing this, youâre setting expectations early and showing that you respect both your time and theirs. If they canât meet your range, you can gracefully bow out before getting too invested.
The Surprising Power of Walking Away
Hereâs a little secretâsometimes, the best negotiation tactic is knowing when to walk away. And Iâm not talking about storming out of the room in a huff. I mean politely and respectfully letting the company know that while youâre thrilled about the opportunity, you need to stick to your salary range. The irony? Often, walking away can make you even more desirable to employers. They may go on to interview other candidates, but guess whoâll be on their mind? The one that got away. This could lead them to rethink their budget or even create room for more flexibility.
Understanding Your True Value đŻ
In todayâs job market, knowing your worth is more important than ever. But itâs not just about throwing out a numberâitâs about understanding what you bring to the table and how it aligns with the market. Many job seekers skip the research and fail to grasp that this is a temporary downturn. Salary bands are lower now, but they wonât stay that way forever. Sometimes, itâs better to accept a lower salary with a company you love and build from there, rather than holding out for a higher number that might never come.
The Post-Hire Phenomenon: Why Youâre Suddenly Hot Property
Hereâs a fun fact: once youâre hired, you instantly become more attractive to other companies. Itâs like a strange law of the job market universeâthe moment youâre off the market, everyone else wants you! And guess what? Theyâll often try to lure you away withâyou guessed itâa higher salary. So, keep the long game in mind when youâre deciding whether to negotiate or accept an offer. Sometimes, getting your foot in the door at a great company is the best move you can make.
Final Thoughts: Donât Risk ItâNegotiate Wisely đ¸
The last thing I want is for you to miss out on a job because of misguided advice. Salary negotiation is a delicate dance, and it requires a deep understanding of both your own value and the current market conditions. Before you decide to negotiate, ask yourself if this is the right time and place. And if youâre unsure, donât hesitate to seek advice from someone who knows the game inside and out.
Got questions about your job search? My team and I are here to help. Just reply to this email with whatâs on your mind, and letâs tackle it together.
Go get âem!
J.T. OâDonnell
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