Every college graduate is excited on first job. Most of them try to get their hands on their preferred careers as they create resumes and cover letter for different companies in the same industry.

As soon as they see an opportunity, fresh graduates will grab it immediately. This is understandable for fresh graduates since they do not have the experience to show their actual experience. Almost anything that could come their way to ensure employment will be entertained.

But this often comes at a big price: most college graduates prefer to get a job fast no matter what the salary would be. The idea of having a job is quite overwhelming that the pay is not a primary consideration. During these times of recession, no one (especially fresh graduates) can just select a company since fewer and fewer companies are opting to hire more people to their workforce.

Negotiating is Okay

Fresh graduates consider the initial salary offer and accept it. Their frame of thinking suggests that since they do not really have anything to back-up their expertise except their education, they will not be able to demand too much from their employer.

But you have to remember that salary negotiation is not about getting away with a higher salary. Salary negotiation is all about getting your actual worth. Getting paid below your skills is just unfair. More often than not, companies do acknowledge this and will make some adjustments based on your requests.

Data Preparation

Before you plead your case, research on how much you will be actually paid in other companies. You can find the data you need online or even by asking around different companies. Although they will not provide the actual pay, they will provide you with a good ballpark price on a salary.

Use the data you gathered for salary negotiation. But you only use your data if you think you are paid lower than other companies. If your employer proposes something reasonable, there’s no reason to argue on your payment. You might be denied employment if you continue to push yourself for a higher pay.

Employer’s Perspective

When you’re trying to get a good pay, you have to remember that the employer is also thinking of the total business cost before and after your employment. He or she knows that there will be additional salaries to pay but the great consideration is on how much the employer could spend.

If you are negotiating with a small company, your request for a higher pay might not be feasible as the owner is also trying to survive the recession. On the other hand, a large company should be able to counter your offer but the decision might be a little bit delayed.

Everything in Writing

After reaching an amicable agreement on your salary and other compensation, get everything that you have agreed on in writing. Whether you’re dealing with a small or large company, they (and you) need to have your agreement in writing for mutual protection.