Not every employer wants to negotiate salaries, but hotel or restaurant job seekers with extensive experience and good credentials shouldn’t have to take poor compensation, even in this economy. Many times, failed salary negotiations come down to one of these simple failures.

Table of Contents

1. Not researching the job position
2. Relying on oral communication
3. Immediately talking about salary
4. Accepting the first offer

1. Not researching the job position

It’s important to understand what to expect based on the average salary for the job title and location you are in.

A job seeker who fails to research the job position will demonstrate ignorance of the job and inexperience by asking for unrealistic compensation; they may even allow themselves to be shortchanged by negotiating something too low.

2. Relying on oral communication

Always keep a paper trail!

Get everything in writing, whether in emails or in your contract. That way, if you ever need to have proof to back any argument up, you will have it!

3. Immediately talking about salary

You will likely be asked in your first interview what your salary expectations are. If there is a salary range in the job description, you can say something like “Based on the range you provided, we are in alignment.” If there is no range listed, you can answer something like, “Before we discuss salary specifics, I would like to continue learning more about the position and the team.” This will leave you room to adjust your range if necessary.

You can also say “I am interviewing for positions offering $XXXXX.” Even if you are not, this will give them the impression that you will have options to choose from and they won’t want to lose out on you.

Try to never be the first person to address salary during the interview phase. It can give them the impression your priorities do not match theirs. Employers know that salary and benefits are the most important thing to job seekers, if it weren’t for money, most of us wouldn’t work!

4. Accepting the first offer

Never accept the first offer without negotiating!

Even if they offer you what you were hoping for, you could end up getting more money or benefits! Once you receive an offer, let them know that you appreciate the offer and are excited about the opportunity, and then ask how long you have to look over the offer.

Build out your negotiation response including:

• The skills you will bring to the company
• The results you’ve gotten at other organizations
• The number you are hoping to get

If they decline the salary increase, you can negotiate other things as well, including:

• 401K options
• PTO days
• Commuter benefits
• Health care coverage
• Child care options
• Remote work for corporate positions
• Job title
• Professional development opportunities

Know that employers set salaries based on what they currently pay people to fill similar roles and what they believe competitors are paying. They may also have a certain budget or a predetermined range. Information is power in negotiation so the more you know about the job the better. Remember to always do your research.