PSA: I think the 'always negotiate your first offer' advice is costing people jobs

I've seen three friends in Chicago lose entry-level roles this year because they pushed back on a fair starting salary. The hiring manager at my old firm told me they rescind about 10% of offers when candidates counter without leverage. If the pay is at market rate and you have zero experience, a counter can signal you're difficult. I got my first job by accepting the initial offer, proving my value, and getting a raise in 6 months. Has anyone else seen a good offer get pulled for trying to follow the standard negotiation script?

2 comments

2 Comments

simonh744d ago

My cousin in Austin had a tech support offer pulled last month for asking for 5k more. The HR person told him they had ten other grads who would take the first number. It really is a different game for entry level roles.

alicecooper4d ago

That's rough but honestly not shocking. Companies treat entry level like a commodity now, especially in tech hubs. They'll just grab the next person off the stack of resumes. Your cousin's story reminds me of seeing crews bid jobs so low they can't possibly do good work, just to get the foot in the door. Same energy.