Should I expect to be low-balled on a job offer?

I've never done any negotiating...I am getting an offer today and working out the details of my (hopefully!) new position. I included my salary requirements, so I assume I must be within their range...but everyone is telling me to expect to be offered less than that. Are there any tips or tricks? Any insight???

Re: Should I expect to be low-balled on a job offer?

Not necessarily. At least for my company we pay the competitive wage after doing comp analysis for teh economy. HOWEVER due to the economy some companies are paying less and expecting more qualified applicants. So you probably wont know until the offer is in hand. Negotiating if done correctly can work to your benefit. On the other hand it can turn off some managers if its done too aggresively and I have seen offers revoked because the hiring manager gets concerned that the candidate is motivated by money, not the role and start second guessing the offer.

Good Luck. Just set a number you wont go lower than in your head and make the best decision for you.

Re: Should I expect to be low-balled on a job offer?

To continue on what the previous poster said, if the number doesn't meet where you would like to be and they are not willing to budge and you really like the job, see if you can negotiate on benefits (like more vacation time, etc.) those things add up in the long run as well.

Re: Should I expect to be low-balled on a job offer?

I'm not sure that I would accept a job unless desperate if they really came way under my number. That shows that they don't really value me. A firm should want to make you happy to work for them and excited for the opportunity and unfortunately that comes with $$$. If the amount I want is not warranted for such a role then I would consider taking it for less but only with the stipulation that I could be considered for more after an initial period.

Good luck and congrats on your pending offer!