[kposehn]

I disagree.

Never shortchange yourself - ever. If you have a low current salary, state that you need a significant boost. If the potential employer knows how low yours is, you'll see just what they consider a significant boost then.

That increase will tell you a lot. Are they thinking you're not worth much because of the low salary and give you a small boost? Then they probably won't pay you well no matter what. If they do give you a bit better than you expected of a boost, that means they recognize your talent or indeed want you for the job - a much better outcome.

Consider what your minimum increase is and then when asked, put it on the table. Don't be greedy but be firm; financial firms look for weak negotiators or people that shortchange themselves. You're not worth as much to them if you won't stand up for your needs.

[rumpelstiltskin]

Never shortchange yourself - ever.

Right. Shortchange the company instead.

OP, considering your virtually nonexistent professional experience, I'd take the job regardless of the salary and focus on learning as much as I can. Ignore the money for a couple years.

Then bump up to a higher payscale, either at the same company or jumping ship to a different one.

[kposehn]

> Right. Shortchange the company instead.

I don't mean shortchange the company. I mean don't shortchange yourself.

@OP, If you accept less than you are worth people will continue to offer you exactly that. I don't mean be unreasonable; I mean don't accept the age-old argument "oh, but you'll get experience".

Even when you are starting out, stand up for what you are worth. You won't regret it.

[hfthrowaway]

Thanks. I see it both ways, and agree with both you and rumpelstiltskin.

My current job pays abysmally low, but it offered great experience when I didn't have any. And I'm getting more interesting opportunities now because of it.

So now I can afford to be a little less desperate.

[kposehn]

Good! Glad you can move onward and upward. I just hate to see people keep limiting themselves :)