Over-Negotiating Job Offers: A Cautionary Tale and 3 Tips for Success

Negotiating a salary can be a tricky business. On the one hand, you want to get paid what you’re worth, but on the other hand, you don’t want to come across as greedy or difficult to work with. Unfortunately, some job seekers take negotiating too far and end up damaging their chances of getting the job. In this post, we’ll explore the perils of negotiating too hard and provide some tips on how to negotiate respectfully.

First, let’s take a look at an example of negotiating gone wrong. Recently, a hiring manager and recruiter shared their experience with a job candidate who had excessive demands and a bad faith attitude during salary negotiations. The candidate was asking for a significantly different title than what was offered, and when the company couldn’t meet their demands, the candidate became hostile and confrontational.

This behavior left a poor taste in the hiring manager and recruiter’s mouth, and they ultimately decided not to hire the candidate. The candidate’s attitude and behavior during the negotiation process gave the impression that they were more interested in money than in the job itself, and that they would be difficult to work with in the future.

So, what can job seekers do to avoid this type of situation? Here are a few tips:

1. Do your research: Before entering into negotiations, do some research on what the average salary is for the position you’re applying for in your area. This will give you a realistic idea of what to expect and help you set reasonable expectations.
2. Be respectful and use the right words: Remember that salary negotiations are a two-way street. You want to get paid what you’re worth, but the employer also needs to be able to afford to pay you. Be respectful of the company’s budget and be willing to negotiate in good faith. A big part of coming across respectfully is using the right words. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to say, use time-tested salary negotiation scripts.
3. Focus on the big picture: Don’t let the negotiation process overshadow the bigger picture. You’re not just negotiating a salary, you’re also negotiating your future with the company. Keep in mind that you want to build a good working relationship with your employer, and that starts with a positive attitude and respectful behavior.

In conclusion, negotiating a salary can be a delicate balance between getting what you’re worth and coming across as difficult or unreasonable. By doing your research, being respectful, focusing on the big picture, and considering non-salary benefits, you can negotiate in good faith and increase your chances of getting the job.