You’ve graduated, you’ve landed a job offer, and now comes the moment of truth: should you negotiate your offer as a new grad? The answer isn’t always clear, especially when you’re eager to kick-start your career and may feel like you should accept the offer as is. After all, it’s exciting to have a job lined up, and you don’t want to risk losing it by asking for more, right?
But here’s the truth: it’s absolutely okay—and even expected—to negotiate your offer. In fact, research shows that new grads who negotiate their job offers can often secure higher salaries and better benefits. So, if you’re on the fence about negotiating your first offer, read on for the key reasons why you should—and how to do it effectively.
Why Negotiating Is Important (Even for New Grads)
You Have More Leverage Than You Think
As a new graduate, you may feel like you have less leverage in salary negotiations compared to someone with years of experience. However, employers are often eager to hire talented new grads, especially if your skills, education, or internship experience aligns with their needs. According to a 2023 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) report, 58% of employers say they plan to hire new grads, meaning there’s significant demand for fresh talent.
Employers may even expect you to negotiate. In fact, 75% of employers said they anticipate candidates will negotiate salary offers, according to Jobvite’s 2023 Job Seeker Nation Report. So, don’t feel like you’re putting your offer at risk. In fact, employers might see it as a sign that you know your worth and have confidence in your skills.
Starting Salary Impacts Future Earnings
The salary you accept as a new grad can affect your earnings for years to come. Starting out with a lower salary can result in slower wage growth, especially in industries that are slower to adjust pay scales for employees. A PayScale study shows that new hires who negotiated their salary received an average of $5,000 more than those who didn’t negotiate. That may seem like a small difference now, but over the years, that additional $5,000 compounds significantly.
It Sets a Precedent for Future Negotiations
Negotiating as a new grad doesn’t just impact this one job; it sets a precedent for your future career. Developing the skill of negotiating early on will benefit you when it comes time for future raises, promotions, and job changes. It’s a valuable skill to have, and the earlier you start, the better.
When to Negotiate
There are certain times when you should definitely consider negotiating your job offer as a new grad:
You’ve Done Your Research: You’ve looked at industry salary standards and you know the going rate for someone in your field with your education level. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary Insights can give you a good understanding of what others in similar roles are making.
You Have Competing Offers or Solid Internships: If you’ve received multiple offers or have strong internship experience relevant to the job, that gives you a solid foundation to negotiate from. Employers are often willing to match or exceed offers from competitors to secure top talent.
The Company Shows Strong Interest: If the hiring manager is enthusiastic about your candidacy and has clearly communicated that they want you to join the team, this is a good indicator that they’re flexible and might be open to negotiation.
How to Approach the Negotiation
Be Prepared to Discuss Your Value
When you negotiate, focus on the value you bring to the company, not just the salary you want. Highlight your relevant skills, achievements, and what you learned during your internships or academic projects. Employers are willing to pay for potential, so make sure to demonstrate your enthusiasm and how you’ll contribute to the company’s success.
Know What You’re Asking For
Be clear about what you’re looking for. It could be a higher salary, additional benefits (like remote work options or wellness stipends), or more vacation days. Keep your requests reasonable and be prepared to explain why you believe they’re justified based on your research.
Stay Professional and Positive
Negotiation is a conversation, not a confrontation. Be polite and professional when making your request, and show gratitude for the offer. You want to convey that you’re excited about the opportunity, but you also want to ensure that the compensation reflects your skills and market value. Remember: The goal is to collaborate, not demand.
Consider the Entire Compensation Package
Salary is important, but it’s not everything. Consider the entire compensation package, including benefits like health insurance, bonuses, stock options, retirement contributions, and paid time off. If the company can’t meet your salary expectations, they may be able to offer more generous benefits.
Be Ready to Make a Decision
After the negotiation, be prepared to make your decision quickly. If the employer agrees to your request, great! But if they can’t meet your salary demands, it’s up to you to decide if you’re willing to accept the original offer or continue your job search.
What If They Say No?
It’s possible that the company may not be able to accommodate your salary request. If that happens, don’t take it personally. Companies have budget constraints, and they may not be able to offer you what you asked for at that time. However, if the company is otherwise a good fit and you’re still excited about the role, consider whether there are other factors—like career development opportunities or benefits—that might make the offer worthwhile.
If the employer can’t meet your request for a higher salary, ask if there’s room for future reviews and raises. Many companies are open to revisiting compensation after a probationary period or during annual performance reviews.
The Bottom Line
Negotiating your first job offer as a new grad might feel intimidating, but it’s an important part of your career development. The reality is that asking for a raise is a standard part of job hunting, even as a new graduate, and doing so could significantly improve your starting salary, setting you up for better earning potential in the future.
Approach the negotiation with confidence, professionalism, and the right research, and you might just secure a better deal than you initially imagined. After all, the sooner you get comfortable negotiating, the better positioned you’ll be throughout your career.
Good luck, and remember—you’re worth it!