Salary negotiation is one of the most high-leverage skills a professional can develop — and most people are terrible at it. The average candidate who negotiates earns $5,000-$20,000 more per year than one who doesn't. Over a career, that compounds into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Here are the five mistakes we see candidates make most often.
Mistake 1: Revealing your current salary. Your current salary is irrelevant to your market value. In many states it's now illegal for employers to ask. Redirect: "I'd rather focus on the value I bring to this role. What's the budgeted range?"
Mistake 2: Accepting the first offer. The first offer is rarely the best offer. Employers expect negotiation. Saying "I'm excited about this role — is there flexibility on the base?" is all it takes.
Mistake 3: Negotiating base salary only. Total compensation includes bonus, equity, PTO, remote work, professional development, and signing bonus. If base is fixed, push on everything else.
Mistake 4: Not anchoring high. Research shows the first number in a negotiation anchors the entire conversation. Come in 10-15% above your target and let them negotiate you down.
Mistake 5: Accepting verbally without a written offer. Never resign from your current role until you have a signed offer letter in hand. Always.
At Switch4, our recruiters coach every candidate through the negotiation process. We know what employers are actually willing to pay — and we use that knowledge to help you maximize your offer.