Many people, especially those new to the workforce, make common mistakes that can cost them thousands of dollars.

Since negotiating the salary is not a common practice, the majority normally makes blunders.

But don’t worry, we have some guidelines to help you avoid those pitfalls.

Whether you're just starting out or you’ve been in your career for years, these tips will help you navigate the negotiation process with ease and confidence.

Let’s cover some of the most common mistakes people make when negotiating their salary and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Negotiating Altogether

A lot of people feel anxious about negotiating and just take the first offer they get. But by doing that, you might miss out on extra money that could have been yours.

Therefore, it's worth giving negotiation a shot to see if you can get a better deal.

2. Walking In Unprepared

Going into a salary negotiation without doing your homework is a big no-no.

When you don’t prepare well beforehand, you might just stumble and fail to discuss your points clearly.

Make sure you know the average salary for your position in your area and be ready to explain why you deserve more. This shows that you’re serious and knowledgeable.

3. Telling Your Minimum Range Too Early

Employers normally ask for the minimum range of salary that you would accept.

Avoid telling your potential employer what salary you would accept early in the interview process as it can limit your negotiating power.

Try to focus on learning more about the role and the company first.

4. Bringing Up Salary Too Soon

Timing matters a lot when it comes to discussing salary.

The best time to discuss salary is when you’ve received a job offer.

But if you bring it up too early, it might look like you’re only interested in the money. So don’t be hasty and touch on this topic at the right stage.

5. Not Asking for Written Confirmation

Verbal agreements can be misinterpreted or forgotten, but having them in writing ensures that everything is clear and agreed upon.

If you only discussed the salary verbally, your recruiter may lose track or back out from the commitment (in the worst case).

Therefore, always ask for the offer details in writing, including salary, equity, benefits, and any other perks to ensure there are no misunderstandings later on.

How To Request

“Thank you for the offer. Could you please send me the details in writing so I can review them?”

6. Making an Abrupt Decision

When you receive an offer, don’t rush to accept or reject it immediately.

Take your time to think it over. Most importantly, discuss it with someone you trust and then come back with a well-thought-out response.

If you need some time, it is completely fine and acceptable to ask for a day or two to decide.

What You Can Say

“I really appreciate the offer and am excited about the opportunity. Could I take a couple of days to think it over and get back to you?”