Can an entry-level applicant even negotiate salary?

Tips for getting what you want the first time around

By Megan Guinane

Interview outfit? Check. Obsessively edited resume? Check. $50,000 of student debt? Check. Entering the job market is difficult, especially with meteoric debt payments looming in the not-so-distant future. Landing a job offer is great, but many entry-level salaries can barely cover the rent. So, what room does an entry-level applicant really have to negotiate a salary? We’ve wondered this ourselves.

According to The Atlantic, 62% of new graduates don’t negotiate their first salary, even though over 80% of employers say they had room to bump up the numbers. We don’t want you to be part of that group. Negotiating is scary, but avoiding it could be a huge missed opportunity. To give this conversation some perspective, we’ve tapped our friends in HR and put together some key points to consider when deciding to accept or decline.

Know your market value and be realistic.

Your “market value” is your monetary worth in the working world. To find this out, do as much research as you can by searching websites such as Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary.com. There are multiple factors that go into this number, including the location of the job and the current success of the company. Setting up a Google alert for the company you’re interviewing with will help you stay on top of changes at the company and be better informed.

Pro tip: According to our sources, if you are going through an employee agency, they will definitely have a better understanding of the industry and the average wages. Using an agency as an advocate can help you better navigate the current market that you are entering.

If you’re a recent graduate, don’t overlook the free resources right at your fingertips. Most colleges have a career center that can not only help you evaluate your opportunities but refine your resume and help you practice your interview skills. Many schools actually offer their services for the entirety of your professional career.

As for being realistic, you will have to remember that not all jobs available to entry-level employees are the most high-paying.

Don’t be afraid to open up the conversation about negotiation.

Negotiating your salary is very intimidating the first time around, especially when your past experience is mostly part-time work or internships. But if you do your research and see that the average salary for the role is higher than your offer, go in for the negotiation.

Our HR gurus suggest coming in around 20% higher than the average salary for the role you are applying for. It’s unlikely someone will offer you the top number they can if you aren’t willing to ask. This way, there is room to negotiate down if needed. Knowing this number shows your employer that you are serious about the opportunity and proves that you are worth the hire.

Although all companies are different, it is rare for an employer to repeal an offer because you asked for more money. In fact, the most common reason for which companies rescind an offer is lying on a resume. So as long as you are honest, don’t be scared to ask for more.

Recognize a scenario in which both parties win.

Acknowledging that the hiring process is stressful for both parties can work in your favor. A lengthy hiring process isn’t ideal for the company, either, so a quick negotiation after finding the candidate is the best outcome for everyone involved. Working together to reach a solution shows that you are confident and prepared to join the company as a team player.

In a situation where the employer cannot offer your desired amount, there are alternative points that an entry-level candidate can negotiate and/or consider in the total compensation package. Ask about paid time off, tuition reimbursement, commuter expense accounts, and health benefits. These perks come out to be at high value to the employee, but at a relatively low cost to the employer.

Although you may not be offered as much as you initially thought, don’t be deterred from joining a company that offers growth opportunities. Working hard and proving yourself in your industry will help the next time you have to negotiate for a raise, promotion, or new job offer. Most companies prefer to hire from within, and becoming a valued member of the team is the first step in creating mutual dedication between you and your employer.