How to Negotiate Salary as Fresh Graduate Interview: My Honest Guide

At my graduation, I was unfamiliar with the concept of how to negotiating salary fresh graduate. I believed that I ought to be happy with whatever the interviewer was willing to pay me since at least it is work. However, some time later I understood that it is not about being greedy when negotiating your salary, but it is about knowing your value.

And so should you be a fresh graduate who is about to have your first job interview, this tip sheet will give you the how-to part of negotiating salary fresh graduate how to negotiate salary fresh graduate and still be non-pushy or ungrateful.

We will ensure you go into that interview with a mind to make what you rightfully deserve.

Negotiating Your First Salary Why It Matters

When you are new out of college, you can easily believe that you do not have a voice in the discussion. I used to feel the same. I would reason, I begin with nothing, I am not one to request more?

However, the point is herein lies the reality, starting salary influences all other increases and promotion in the future. Starting too low, you will even get all the percentage increases later to remain low.

Negotiating early helps you:

Create trust in your job.
Create a professional benchmark of your worth.
Establish superior financial security at an earlier stage.

Yes, it is not only okay, not only to negotiate, but it is also smart even as a fresh graduate.

Do Fresh Graduates Really Have Room to Negotiate?

You may ask yourself, do companies negotiate with freshers?

The response to that is - yes, they tend to, however, when you request it professionally.

Negotiating is expected by employers towards confident candidates. It exhibits that you have done some research and are serious with your career. The trick is to be polite, knowledgeable and realistic.

I shall tell you something that happened to my first experience:

I accepted my first offer upon noticing it. I would later get to know that one of the other new employees in the same position received 15 percent more just because he requested it. That was one of my greatest lessons because you never get what you do not ask.

Research Before You Step In

Do your research before even the salary comes to your mind.

The following is my pre-interview routine:

Look on the rate in the market — Check sites such as Glassdoor, PayScale to estimate how much you can earn in your position and your location.
Interview people - Ask the new graduates in comparable careers how much they earn.
Know company budgets — Depending on the industry (such as technology or finance), some industries are more flexible than others.

When you go to the interview armed with this information, you would be able to talk how to negotiate salary fresh graduate with facts and not speculations.

How to Raise Salary on the Interview.

Timing matters a lot. Pay should not be discussed at the beginning. Wait till you prove yourself and the interviewer considers that you can become valuable.

Now that they do raise the salary issue, you can tell them:

According to my research and the duties of this job, I would say that a reasonable salary of this job would be in the range of [X -Y]. Is that within your budget?

It is courteous, assertive and factual.

Avoid saying:

“How much will you pay me?”
“I’ll take whatever you give.”

Rather, demonstrate that you have reasoned.

What If They Question You about Your Expected Salary?

This one used to scare me. I never knew what to say.

Here’s my go-to approach now:

I will be open, though, according to my knowledge of comparable jobs in this sector, a justifiable range would be in the area of [X -Y]. Naturally, I am more oriented on learning and developing with the team.

This is very effective as it is flexible and aware.

You are not merely reading figures, you are saying you have more than money in your heart.

How Much Should You Ask For?

The general rule would be to make an initial offer that is 10-20 percent higher than the one presented. That allows you to negotiate down and yet come up with a decent amount.

For example:

Suppose it is an offer of $500 per month, you certainly may say:

Thank you for the offer. I had been anticipating something in the range of $550-$600 based on my research and the demands of the position. Would that be possible?

Clear, quiet, and respectful - that is exactly how you are supposed to approach how to negotiate salary fresh graduate conversations.

Common Mistakes Fresh Graduates Make in Salary Negotiations

1. Immediate acceptance due to excitement.

2. Failing to research -so unknowing of your value.

3. Being apologetic -Why not, sorry, asking, but, (Don’t)

4. Only concentrating on money, and not growth opportunities.

Failure to confirm in writing -Always receive a final agreed amount in the form of an email.

Keep in mind: your job when you first enter the workforce predetermines your career. You are not being difficult, you are only being smart.

A Personal Story: My First Salary Negotiation

To tell the truth, my initial negotiation was not a flawless one.

Having received an offer, I spent two hours before the mirror. When I said, my voice was still trembling,

I appreciate the offer. I was asking whether there is flexibility on the starting salary.

To my amazement, the recruiter smiled and replied, we can see that.

I received a slight increase in salary not very large but it made a difference.

That single discussion helped me realize that being confident does not mean that one is not afraid. It is about raising your voice when you are trembling.

Benefits You Can Negotiate Non-Salary, Too

In other cases the company may not be able to give you a raise immediately but you can still bargain in favor of the value.

The following are some of the things I have been able to request:

Remote work options
Flexible hours
Extra leave days
Training or certifications
Early performance appraisal at 3 6 months.

These perks can be more valuable than a slight salary increment.

What If They Say No?

When one negotiation fails, then get demoralized. Here’s how to respond:

I completely understand. I like the candor with which you have been open with me and I am thrilled about what we are continuing to do.

You are making a good impression and you can go over the issue once you have demonstrated your value.

Indeed, once after 6 months, I renegotiated salary again - and received that increase. Persistence pays off.

Final Thoughts: Believe in Your Value

But you may be thinking, But I have not yet got experience!

That’s okay. You come with dynamism, new outlook, and readiness to learn, things companies demand more than you think.

It does not mean that you are arrogant when you are negotiating your salary. It means you’re self-aware. And as you honor your own self, So will other people honor you.

The next time one is asked to do it how to negotiate salary fresh graduate, forward them this:

👉 Do your research.

👉 Communicate clearly.

👉 Stay confident and kind.

And above all keep in the back of your head that you are just beginning your story and not finishing it with your first job.

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How to Negotiate Salary as Fresh Graduate Interview: My Honest Guide

Negotiating Your First Salary Why It Matters