Pros and cons of negotiating a salary offer
Olivia Attwood
Certified Professional Resume Writer ● Career Coach ● Executive Resume Writer ● MBA, BEng, CPRW, CPCC
Negotiating a salary offer is not a part you get to skip during your professional life. It is a necessary step when you are accepting a job offer from an employer. It is also a topic where everyone has a different opinion to share about. Some say that you must always shoot for more than what the employer offers at first, while others say that you don’t need to negotiate salary just for the sake of negotiating.
Pro: Negotiating a salary offer will get you a better pay
Companies are always willing to negotiate salaries when they find the perfect candidate. While hiring managers have a second or third option lined up, they are usually keen on hiring their number one choice. The hiring manager you negotiate with will have a budget to adhere to, but within the limits of it, they will offer you a great price when you negotiate.
Pro: Negotiating salary will let the employer know that you are aware of your value
When the employer is at the salary negotiation stage with you, they know how much you are worth. Your employer will pay attention to whether you know your true value as well. The fact that you are at this stage means they want you. Therefore, don’t be afraid to name your price.
Pro: It is an expected move for some positions
For some jobs, salary negotiation is an expected move of you, regardless of what the first offer is. This is valid for individuals working in business development or sales roles. If you work in sales and you accept the employer’s initial offer without hesitation, it might even hurt your chances of getting hired. Negotiation is a key factor in your job role. Your ability to negotiate the salary during a job application will be a great way to show off your negotiation skills in front of the employer.
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Con: You have a way of proving that must be paid more than what was offered
Let’s say that the employer named a generous sum and you pushed back with your offer. They ask you, “Why should we pay you more?” If you can promptly answer citing a few of your past accomplishments, contributions, or key skills, you surely deserve the bigger sum. But in cases where you have nothing to justify your asking salary, there is a chance for you to get rejected by the employer.
Con: There’s a big gap between the numbers
You must always do your research on the low, medium, and high ranges of salary offered for your profession before walking into a salary negotiation. If the employer offers you a high price and you name a figure even higher, there is a great possibility that you will not get the job.
Con: The salary is low but the other perks make it fair
Some employers offer lower salaries for their staff while offering a ton of other benefits with the job. You should carefully review the whole package before you make a move on salary negotiation with the employer. For example, work flexibility, commute facilities, free lunch, childcare facilities, and other benefits will help you save up a lot.