Yes, even for entry-level jobs!

It’s safe to say that negotiating wages is one of the most stressful parts of the hiring process. But the higher you start, the higher you can climb.

Part-time and entry-level jobs that don’t ask for specific qualifications, such as a degree, previous experience or niche skills, are likely to have set hourly rates. But even if you aren’t able to negotiate higher pay, it’s still okay to ask.

Before you advance to the interview process, do some research. You should have a good idea of the typical pay for that position, at that company and for someone with your level of experience in your area. Glassdoor and the Indeed Salaries page are excellent resources.

Timing is everything. During the initial interview, you might be presented with an hourly rate. A good open-ended response is, “That is definitely within my range of consideration,” or “That could work for me.” Wait until you receive a job offer or the hiring process moves to Human Resources before suggesting a different number.

Respond with gratitude for the offer and ask if there is room for negotiation. If the answer is no, respect it. If there is room to negotiate, suggest a rate you’re comfortable with. Be ready to justify it by citing your skills, experience and knowledge of typical pay for similar roles in your area. For example, if you already know how to do the most important parts of the job, ask if the time and money they’d save on training you are worth the extra money.

Remember to remain professional, optimistic and direct throughout the process. Negotiations can be a multi-step back-and-forth, but for entry-level jobs, you may have only one shot to negotiate.