With unemployment hitting record low in nearly half a century, companies are struggling to fill open positions.

The current market is a job seekers market.

Having the upper hand, and often multiple offers at hand, candidates feel more confident negotiating their salaries with potential employers. At this point, recruiters are expecting candidates to negotiate.

Demonstrating a skill

Negotiation is a skill. By negotiating their compensation, candidates are demonstrating an important skill they may need to use as part of their job, negotiating a deal, or work load and project deadlines. Whether a candidate negotiates, and more importantly how they negotiate, leaves an impact on the recruiter.

Good preparation leaves a positive impact

There is no harm in always trying to negotiate if it is done professionally, and in a pleasant manner. Negotiation from a candidate who is well prepared, who has researched their worth, identified the employer’s needs/challenges and highlighted how they are the best fit for the role, will be well received. Just throwing an unreasonable number out there will not have the same affect.

Read the blog How to Answer the: “What are Your Salary Expectations” Question

Sometimes it is a fine line between being greedy and being professional. Endless negotiations, on minute details do not leave a good taste in the recruiter’s mouth. Candidates should also keep in mind that with higher wages come higher expectations. To set themselves up for success, they may not want to over-reach.

Want to learn more about negotiating? Watch the webinar: Negotiate Your Worth.

Good luck negotiating!