Salary Negotiation Myths

We debunk some salary negotiation myths
You’ve researched the position and the company, impressed the employer with your killer resume and aced the job interview. Don’t think the process is over just yet. What comes next is the salary negotiation. It’s a crucial part of your job search, yet it’s usually one of the most neglected and misunderstood steps. Misconceptions propagated by amateur career articles and well-meaning office contacts are constantly leading job seekers astray, resulting in low-paying offers and lost opportunities. Here is the truth behind five salary negotiation myths that have kept honest workers from getting the remuneration they deserve.

A starting salary is just for starters

Some salary negotiation myths are created by employers in the hopes of getting candidates to accept lousy offers. One such myth is the notion that a beginning salary is merely a temporary inconvenience. In reality, while it’s true that all employee remunerations are typically revised every year, most salary augmentations and incentives are calculated using a percentage of your current pay. In other words; if you start with a low salary, every subsequent raise and bonus you get is going to be proportionately low. That’s why it’s important that you fight for a good salary from the get-go.

Employers frown upon salary negotiations

Don’t let salary negotiation myths like this one stop you from asking for pay that matches your skills. Job seekers often hesitate to make a counteroffer for fear that the employer might move on to the next candidate. However, this kind of negotiation is an integral part of the hiring process, and employers are always prepared to discuss remuneration. In fact, they often feel more comfortable hiring a candidate who knows his professional worth. Even if the salary turns out to be nonnegotiable, there’s never any harm in asking unless the information is clearly stated during the job interview.

Asking for less improves your chances

Job seekers often believe that the best way to secure an employment offer is to ask for the lowest salary possible. It’s one of the most widespread salary negotiation myths and the reason why many experienced workers are stuck in entry-level positions. It’s, of course, important not to overshoot when you make your counteroffer, otherwise you run the risk of coming off unrealistic or unattainable. However, you should keep in mind that underselling your professional worth makes you appear insecure about your skills and, therefore, less valuable as a candidate. As a result, you’d actually be decreasing your chances of getting the job.

These next salary negotiation myths could mean you lose serious dollars...