The job search community has it fair share of myths and legends that keep
many job seekers from reaching their full potential in the job
marketplace. Below are three job
offer negotiation myths that you must not believe:
Myth #1 –
Undercutting Your Competition Will Improve Your Chances Of Getting Hired
Fact: The best
employers aren’t just looking for the cheapest job candidate. Employers want to hire the best job
candidates for their money. This
is why some “highly compensated” employees find employment while their cheaper
priced counterparts remain unemployed.
When approaching a job offer and negotiating your salary and benefits,
remember that you are not a commodity.
Treating yourself like a commodity could actually decrease your chances
of getting hired.
Myth #2 – If
The Economy Is Weak I Should Take Whatever They Offer Me
Fact: While a slow
economy will make employers more cautious about negotiating a job offer, it is
not a deal breaker. Even if the
job candidate is unable to negotiate their salary, they may be able to negotiate
other aspects such as the job offer such as vacation time, health benefits or
some other perks.
Myth #3 –
Everything In A Job Offer Is Negotiable
Fact: Every employer
is different. Smart job candidates
will do their homework and find out the job offer policies of an employer
before they accept a job offer.
Discretely discuss an employer’s job offer policies with former or
current employees to find out which aspects of the job offer can be negotiated.