Negotiate Pay Raise Question:

Yes, and no. The degree to which a salary is negotiable depends on the position, the manager, the organization, your perceived value, and the state of the job market. Most entry-level positions have set salaries that are subject to very little if any negotiation, perhaps a few hundred dollars of negotiating room. Mid-level positions typically have salary ranges of between 10 and 20 percent (i.e., a job paying $35,000 a year may have a salary range between $31,500 and $38,500). Employers will negotiate within the range, but will rarely exceed it unless you are an exceptional candidate. Most state and federal government jobs have rigid, non-negotiable salary scales based on education and experience. In general, higher-level management and executive positions offer the greatest opportunities for negotiation. In any case, never accept an offer in the interview. Express your strong interest, but state that you always think over decisions of this magnitude. Tell your interviewer when you'll contact him or her with your decision.