Salary Negotiation:

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I would agree. In most companies you're going to get your money coming through the door so don't be afraid to shoot high. Not ridiculously high of course, but keep in mind they're going to come at you on the lower end of things so they are playing the same game you will be.

True. My thought was, if $40-$55K is the range and he doesn't have any experience, shooting for $50-$55K might be unreasonable. Yes, lowballing/highballing is part of the game and everyone knows it, but there's some truth to the idea that going too high can adversely affect your chances of landing the job.

Daseal, can you clarify what you meant by $40-$55K being the median salary? Does that include employees with no or tons of experience? Is that range the industry standard, or specific to this particular company? Is your school considered good in that field? Do you have other experience that qualifies you for the job. All of those factors, IMO, affect what you should ask for.

As Matty said, it's a good idea to show you've done your due diligence. If you are forced to throw out a range or a specific number, have some reasons for asking for that amount/range. IMO, a big mistake in negotiations is to demand X and have no foundation upon which that demand is based. Conversely, the best negotiators aren't the "fist pounders," but those who articulate bona fide arguments as to why their demands are reasonable.