Should I try to negotiate?

It’s exciting to receive an offer from an employer you want to work for, but don’t let your excitement prevent you from evaluating the offer with an objective eye. Negotiating can seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of the job search process and you can ask for what you think is reasonable.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider whether to try to negotiate your offer:

Is this a competitive offer for the job, industry, location, and my experience? See Mohr Career Services’ Negotiating Offers page for salary calculators and other ideas for research.
What might I want, besides a higher salary? You can ask about other perks and employment conditions like flexible work schedules, remote work, professional development funds, etc.
How would I start the conversation? Sometimes the hardest part is knowing how to start, so spend some time refining your ask. Something as simple as, “I am excited about the offer! I am also wondering if there is any room to negotiate” can be enough to get the conversation going.
When would I walk away? What are deal-breakers for you? If you don’t get what you ask for, would you be willing to decline the offer? If so, spend some time thinking about how you would decline the offer without sacrificing your relationship with the recruiter.

Remember that negotiation is a skill that can be developed. Make an appointment with Mohr Career Services advisors to craft and practice an approach that feels authentic to you, and that helps you achieve your goals.

Did you know…

Race, gender, and other identities can play a role in how confident candidates may feel in negotiating. Implicit (and explicit) bias can play a role in how attempts to negotiate are perceived by employers. Here are a few articles that aim to help us understand the problem and how we might create a more level playing field: