written by Esther Ouyang ‘26
First, if you have already received an offer, congrats! Great job. You’ve already made it through the hardest part. After months of applications, interviews, and uncertainty, seeing an official offer must be a huge relief for you. That relief, however, often leads students to rush into accepting an offer without fully evaluating it. Many students assume that entry-level positions are non-negotiable or that negotiating might appear ungrateful. Negotiation is a standard and somewhat expected part of professional life, even at the beginning of your career.
Still, many students struggle with the same thought when an offer comes through: “Should I just accept the offer and not ask for more money?”
The “I Should just be Grateful” Mindset
Many college students feel hesitant to negotiate because they believe they have little leverage. Without years of professional experience, it is easy to assume that employers hold all the power in the hiring process. Students may also worry that asking questions or requesting adjustments could risk losing the offer entirely.
However, negotiation is not about demanding more or creating conflict. It is about having a thoughtful conversation regarding the value you bring and ensuring that the position aligns with your skills, needs, and goals. Employers expect candidates to ask questions about compensation and benefits. Accepting an offer without fully reviewing it may lead to missed opportunities for additional support, benefits, or professional development resources.
LMU Career and Professional Development (CPD) encourages students to slow down and objectively evaluate offers before accepting them. Taking time to review an offer allows students to make informed decisions rather than reacting from excitement or pressure.
Why Negotiation Matters Long-Term
Entry-level salary and benefits often influence future earnings and advancement opportunities. A small difference in starting salary or benefits can compound over time, especially when raises and promotions are calculated as percentages of your base pay.
Beyond compensation, negotiating helps students practice professional self-advocacy. Learning how to communicate your value, asking informed questions, and learning about workplace culture and expectations are skills that benefit you long-term. Negotiation builds confidence and helps emerging professionals become active participants in shaping their professional paths rather than passively accepting any offer.
The Biggest Negotiation Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)
While negotiation can feel intimidating, most mistakes come from rushing the process or focusing too narrowly on salary. If you’re unsure where students usually go wrong, these are strong recommendations to consider.
Accepting an Offer Minutes Later
It is natural to feel excited when receiving a job offer, but accepting the job on the spot can prevent you from carefully thinking about important details. Employers often expect candidates to take time to consider an offer, and requesting time to review demonstrates professionalism and thoughtfulness.
Instead of rushing to accept, thank the employer for the opportunity and request a reasonable amount of time to evaluate the offer. This allows you to review compensation, benefits, job responsibilities, and how the role aligns with your long-term goals. It also gives you time to research industry standards and consult career coaches (in CPD), mentors, professors, and other trusted professionals in your life.
Revealing Salary History or Expectations Too Early
Another common mistake occurs when candidates feel pressured to disclose previous salary information or provide specific salary expectations before receiving an official offer. Sharing this information too early can limit your negotiating power because it may anchor the employer’s offer to a lower number.
If asked about salary expectations early in the hiring process, it is often appropriate to redirect the conversation by expressing flexibility and interest in learning more about the role and responsibilities first. Once an offer is presented, candidates are better positioned to discuss compensation using research and market data to support their requests. A few helpful sources include LinkedIn Salaries, Comparably, Payscale, and Career Contessa’s The Salary Project.
Focusing Only on Base Salary
Compensation includes more than base salary. Many students overlook benefits that can significantly improve their financial stability, work-life harmony, and professional development. Total compensation may include health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time-off, flexible scheduling, signing bonuses, relocation assistance, or funding for professional training.
Considering the full compensation package allows students to negotiate more effectively and identify which aspects of the offer matter most to their personal and professional priorities. In some cases, employers may have limited flexibility with salary but may be able to offer additional benefits or resources. When in doubt, ask. Make an informed decision and explore all options.
Negotiation: Learn to Speak Up for Yourself
Viewing negotiation as an ongoing discussion can help maintain positive relationships while allowing you to understand whether a role aligns with your values and interests. Some employers may not be able to change certain parts of an offer. Even then, asking questions can demonstrate engagement and interest in the position as well as showcase how your prospective employer responds to you.
Preparation often matters most in how you approach the conversation. When discussing an offer, tone and framing can shape how your message is received just as much as what you ask for so be sure to be respectful, professional, and clear in your communication, be it written or verbal.
One effective approach is to start by expressing appreciation before raising questions. For example, students might acknowledge their excitement about the role and then signal that they would like to better understand the offer. This shows interest in the role and organization while opening space for discussion, rather than sounding transactional.
When bringing up compensation, framing the question around alignment can feel more collaborative. Instead of stating a number, students can reference market research/data or responsibilities and ask whether the offer reflects those factors. This shifts the focus away from personal wants and toward how compensation is structured within the role.
Compensation can also include factors beyond salary. Some employers may have limited flexibility with base pay while offering support in other areas. If salary flexibility is limited, acknowledging that constraint while exploring alternatives can preserve goodwill and the relationship. Students might ask whether other parts of the offer could be adjusted to support their success in the role. This signals adaptability and an interest in long-term fit within the organization or team.
Throughout the conversation, clarity and calmness matter. Pausing before responding, choosing neutral language, and keeping questions focused can help the discussion feel professional and grounded, even when the topic feels personal.
Timing also influences negotiation outcomes. Waiting until an official offer is extended often gives candidates stronger footing in the conversation. At that stage, employers have already invested in selecting a candidate, which can create more openness to discuss details of the offer. Learning how to navigate these discussions early in your career can make future professional conversations feel more approachable and less intimidating.
For many college students, negotiating a first job offer may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. However, developing negotiation skills can create long-term career success and strengthen your ability to advocate for yourself professionally.
LMU Career and Professional Development offers resources, coaching, and workshops to help students prepare for these conversations with prospective employers. With preparation and practice, negotiation can become less intimidating and more empowering, helping students transition from college to career with confidence and clarity. Connect with us at careers.lmu.edu.
