New grads hesitate to negotiate when entering job interviews because they don’t want to appear offensive or greedy. Some just don’t have the courage to speak up, especially if the hiring manager looks rough and intimidating. Lack of experience is also a main reason why new graduates don’t want bargain. Ironically, those who dread negotiations the most have the highest expectations.

How can you expect a company to offer you a reasonable salary package if you can’t even stick to your guns and argument your claims? It’s important for job seekers to keep in mind that hiring managers have dealt with thousands of candidates just like you in the past. From the moment you step foot in that meeting room, they’ll know if you fit in a certain stereotype. Do you have what it takes to prove them wrong? Because if you don’t it would be a great idea to start mastering negotiations right now.

Fear of rejection

Let’s assume that you just graduated from college. Now that school is over, it’s time to look for a job. You just got a phone call from a company asking you to attend an interview – are you ready to deal with the pressure? Some new grads are terrified of rejection, particularly those who have never worked anywhere else. They won’t negotiate with hiring managers because they don’t want to seem picky or too demanding.

Lack of experience

New grads hate negotiations because of their lack of experience. The majority of them assume that bargaining for a higher salary is pointless. Having a negative attitude on a job interview is certainly not the best way of presenting yourself. Hiring managers want to deal with enthusiastic candidates who can state their minds and engage in a conversation. How do you know they don’t have a better offer for you if you haven’t even tried to negotiate?

Too much competition

Interviewing for a job and competing against another 150 candidates is intimidating. That’s why most job seekers don’t even bother to show up for the interview. People are terrified of competitions, because unlike negotiations, in a competition there has to be a winner and a loser. Why should you feel intimidated when you’re applying for an entry-level position? Most of those selected by hiring managers are rookies, too, just like you. Besides, how do you know you won’t get the job if you haven’t even tried?

Laxness

Some new graduates don’t negotiate the salaries because they’re indolent. They assume companies won’t offer them more because they’re rookies, and to avoid negotiating they’re willing to accept whatever offer is on the table. Sadly, laxness could persuade a hiring company to withdraw their offer. Nobody wants to work with a lazy person, so before settling for the lowest possible wage, you might want to reconsider your options and step up your game.

Shyness can be destructive

Believe it or not, a shy attitude can be destructive in a job interview. Even if you don’t have prior work experience to convey, this doesn’t mean you should be quiet throughout the process. Show to the hiring company that you’ve done your homework; talk about goals, mention your approach to the job in questioning, highlight your willingness to help the company thrive and boost its bottom line. A decisive, firm attitude is what hiring managers want from job seekers. Lack of experience can be compensated with a fierce personality; shyness on the other hand, is tough to hide, not to mention that it leads to other unwanted feelings like tension, anxiety and apprehension.

Are you ready to enter the workforce? Thousands of new graduates would do anything to land a good job, but only those who are determined have real chances to succeed. There’s a lot of competition in work domains like IT, marketing and advertising, PR, and social media, so it won’t be that easy to get an offer. Rookies should have the courage to negotiate for what they want; they should enter interviews prepared and have a positive attitude. Don’t let those 50 candidates waiting intimidate you in any way. Last but not least, showcase the most strong-minded attitude and communicate accurately to prove that you’re a people’s person with exceptional skills.

By Christopher Austin and TheGapPartnership.com!

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Reasons why new graduates entering the workforce don’t negotiate their salaries