8 answers
LaKesha
Student
Warner Robins, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How do you know you can negotiate a better salary?
How do you know that they are low balling you or not ?
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8 answers
Sharanya Peteru
Tax Senior
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sharanya’s Answer
Before talking about salary, research the usual pay for the job. Check websites like Glassdoor or PayScale to see what people with your experience and in your area usually earn. Knowing this range will help you negotiate better.
Deepti S
Strategy and Transformation
11
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Deepti’s Answer
Almost (always) negotiate. Employers expect it and build room into the first offer on purpose.
Know your number first. Check Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, for what people in that role, in your city, with your experience actually make. If their offer is below that, they're lowballing you.
Signs you have leverage:
-Offer came back really fast
- You have competing offers
- They've been interviewing you for a while
The line that works:
"I'm really excited about this role. Based on my research I was expecting closer to X , is there flexibility there?"
Said calmly and confidently, that one sentence routinely gets people an extra $$. The worst they can say is no, and it almost never costs you the offer. The risk of not asking is always higher than the risk of asking.
Know your number first. Check Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, for what people in that role, in your city, with your experience actually make. If their offer is below that, they're lowballing you.
Signs you have leverage:
-Offer came back really fast
- You have competing offers
- They've been interviewing you for a while
The line that works:
"I'm really excited about this role. Based on my research I was expecting closer to X , is there flexibility there?"
Said calmly and confidently, that one sentence routinely gets people an extra $$. The worst they can say is no, and it almost never costs you the offer. The risk of not asking is always higher than the risk of asking.
Benjamin Pence, PMP
Consulting
6
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
These are all great answers, but I will add one more thing.
As part of the negotiation, you should be willing to walk away if the "deal" (i.e. your salary) is not acceptable to you if compensation is your #1 priority. Using fake numbers as an example, (again, assuming compensation is your #1 priority) and you feel your value is worth a MINIMUM of $50,000, and the company you want to work at says "We disagree. We think you are only worth $40,000" then you should be willing to walk away and look for another role that will pay you the $50,000.
That said, another way to think of it, is "is that gap in pay worth it to me?". For example, if it's your dream job and the role itself is amazing, then maybe you'd be willing to work for a bit less. Or if the work-life balance is better, maybe you'd take a slight hit on pay.
Compensation itself is not everything -- environment, work-life balance, your career path/opportunities (both internally at that company and overall in the marketplace), your interests, etc. all have a "value" associated with them, so you need to think of it as a total package rather just a number.
As part of the negotiation, you should be willing to walk away if the "deal" (i.e. your salary) is not acceptable to you if compensation is your #1 priority. Using fake numbers as an example, (again, assuming compensation is your #1 priority) and you feel your value is worth a MINIMUM of $50,000, and the company you want to work at says "We disagree. We think you are only worth $40,000" then you should be willing to walk away and look for another role that will pay you the $50,000.
That said, another way to think of it, is "is that gap in pay worth it to me?". For example, if it's your dream job and the role itself is amazing, then maybe you'd be willing to work for a bit less. Or if the work-life balance is better, maybe you'd take a slight hit on pay.
Compensation itself is not everything -- environment, work-life balance, your career path/opportunities (both internally at that company and overall in the marketplace), your interests, etc. all have a "value" associated with them, so you need to think of it as a total package rather just a number.
Kimberly Poff
Audit Project Manager
25
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
You advocate for a higher salary when your work, skills, and responsibilities justify it, even if you’re early in your career. For a young person, that means knowing your value, doing a little research on typical pay, and being ready to explain why you deserve more based on what you bring to the table. It’s not about being pushy — it’s about speaking up professionally and confidently for fair pay. The best approach is to make a clear ask, back it up with examples, and stay open to a conversation.
Daniel Azrak
Cyber Security
11
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
I would do research online. There is so much information on positions online that you can get a general sense if they are offering you something below what you would expect. You can also ask AI to be honest to do research on this position and location and see what comes from it. Most large firms have pretty standard offers for first time positions, I do not think you should worry too much. However, you can always do a peer analysis. Most places are also being forced to publish salaries online (e.g. NYC and California) which provides even more data for you.
Matthew Hall
7
Answers
Monroe, Michigan
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
You can definitely ask for a better salary if the first offer seems low compared to what others with your experience earn. If you have more skills than the job needs or if the company expects you to negotiate, go for it. Most employers actually expect you to discuss the salary offer.
Maria Marcia Ceardi
Business Process Manager
5
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Maria Marcia’s Answer
You can often negotiate a better salary when your skills, experience, responsibilities, or market value are higher than the initial offer suggests. Here are some signs that you might have room to negotiate:
1. The company is eager to hire you or wants to move quickly.
2. You have unique or highly sought-after experience.
3. The job includes more responsibilities than originally outlined.
4. Salaries for similar roles in the market are higher.
5. You consistently go above and beyond in your current job.
6. The first offer is lower than you expected, giving you a chance to negotiate!
The key is to approach this with confidence and focus on the value you bring. Remember, negotiating is often expected and seen as a positive step!
1. The company is eager to hire you or wants to move quickly.
2. You have unique or highly sought-after experience.
3. The job includes more responsibilities than originally outlined.
4. Salaries for similar roles in the market are higher.
5. You consistently go above and beyond in your current job.
6. The first offer is lower than you expected, giving you a chance to negotiate!
The key is to approach this with confidence and focus on the value you bring. Remember, negotiating is often expected and seen as a positive step!
Devin Stoker
Project Manager
17
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Devin’s Answer
There are websites like salary.com or glassdoor.com as well as more that can help you know what average salaries are for that position in the area you're applying for.
Also, almost always try to negotiate for a better salary. Give data on why you should be given a better salary. If you don't have any data as support, you can also just say "Is that the best you can do for me?" or something like that. Don't be a jerk, but many positions have some wiggle room if it is not just a standard job with many applicants.
Also, almost always try to negotiate for a better salary. Give data on why you should be given a better salary. If you don't have any data as support, you can also just say "Is that the best you can do for me?" or something like that. Don't be a jerk, but many positions have some wiggle room if it is not just a standard job with many applicants.