After countless applications, interviews, and perhaps a few existential crises, you’ve finally landed a job offer, cue the confetti! The excitement of receiving that anticipated phone call: “We were impressed with your performance during the interview process, and we are ready to extend you an offer,” can be overwhelming. You’ve worked hard for this moment, but now, facing the prospect of negotiation, you may be asking yourself: Should I, could I, do I really… have to negotiate?

I have been there myself, lost for words, overwhelmed with excitement, mindlessly rushing to accept an offer. Looking back, I realize that I missed key negotiation opportunities at various stages of my professional life. Moments in which I could’ve gone in ready to pause, express my gratitude and enthusiasm, acknowledge the achievement, and yes, negotiate!  

Negotiating your salary as you step into your first major-aligned role as a college student could have a significant impact on your future professional growth, salary, benefits, and overall job satisfaction. However, if the thought of talking about money makes you nervous, you are not alone.

Here’s the good news: Negotiating your salary is not only normal but also expected. And with the right tools, you can approach it with confidence and clarity. It will pay off to take a moment to review our  ‘Understand & Negotiate a Job Offer‘ page for a breakdown on how to prepare.  Here are some key pointers to help you seize the opportunity!

When is it Appropriate to Negotiate? Here’s when to make your move:

Wait for the offer. Avoid discussing salary during the actual interview. While negotiating can be empowering, the ideal time to negotiate a salary is after receiving the offer but before formally accepting it.

Let the employer lead. If salary is discussed early, go in ready to both initially avoid giving a specific salary number and instead provide a researched salary range, rather than a fixed number, if pressed. Here are some phrases to help you at this stage:  

“I’m sure there’s a good match between my skills and interests and the salary range you are working with. Could you share information about the salary range set for this position?”

“For now, I am focused on what the position entails and ensuring that we’re a good fit for each other. When you’re ready to make an offer, I’d be happy to discuss my salary expectations.”

Understand the employer’s situation. Some industries may welcome negotiation in the hiring process with more flexibility. Others may have rigid compensation structures and less flexibility due to governing fixed pay scales. Understanding industry norms is important to know how much flexibility you’ll encounter in the process.

How Do I Prepare for the Negotiation? Do this before the conversation:

Research salary ranges. As a career advisor, I’ve heard cautionary tales of students who asked for too much, too soon. Expect your offer to fall within the ranges you have researched, and be honest about your needs to avoid unrealistic demands. A thorough review of the job description may already show a salary range set by the employer.  If not listed, use sites like Salary.com, Glassdoor, or Job Trend Data to find typical pay for your role, location, and experience level.  

• Combine the researched market value of the job with sites like the Salary Calculator or ADP’s Salary Paycheck Calculator to determine your expected hourly wages.
• Anchor high by aiming for the higher end of the researched range using precise numbers (e.g., $58,850 vs $58,000) to sound more persuasive.

Know your worth. Analyze the job description to understand the role needs and help you identify the skills you bring to the table that will benefit the role. Using your unique abilities as a benchmark will allow you to negotiate with more clarity and confidence. Start by identifying the skills, experiences, and academic achievements that make you a strong candidate. Then, craft a value statement that highlights how you’ve utilized these skills to contribute to the success or efficiency of a project. This will help make your case stronger and more compelling.

• Build confidence by practicing sharing your value statements with a friend, mentor, or career advisor.  
• Attend a free AAUW Start Smart webinar to learn how to craft a value statement.

What Do I Not Want to Miss? The bigger picture of getting hired:

Consider the full scope of what’s being offered and what you are gaining. Take the time to evaluate the opportunity as a whole and the reasons beyond the salary that motivated you to apply in the first place. Benefits like health insurance, tuition assistance, 401(k) plans, and opportunities for professional development can really enhance your overall compensation. They can help reduce your current expenses or set you up for better financial stability down the line.

A strategic investment in your future. Being employed (in any capacity: internship, part-time, temporary, or full-time) brings about gains that may be significantly more valuable than the salary or benefits. Think about how the experience will enhance your resume, give you insights into an industry you are curious about, and help you build a valuable network. These aspects can really open doors for future opportunities, speed up your career growth, and set you up for future higher earnings.

The fact is that you deserve to be paid fairly. When it comes to negotiating your salary, it’s really about understanding the value you offer and the impact you can have. So, take this challenge head-on and approach it with confidence! Make sure you research thoroughly and prepare well. Enter the conversation knowing you are absolutely capable of standing up for yourself and your worth.

Need more assistance or support with salary negotiation? Set up a meeting with your designated career advisor. The team at the Career & Co-op Center is excited to help you with this exciting step in your career.