I’m looking for advice on negotiating while unemployed. I’ve been out of work for almost a year and just got an offer, but I feel like the company knows I’m desperate. I want to stand my ground on my worth without sounding ungrateful or losing the offer. Is it possible to negotiate a better deal when you don’t have another job to fall back on?

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This can be tricky in this job market. If you're still financially comfortable after being unemployed for so long, then go ahead and ask. If not, you may be better off accepting the offer for now and attempting to negotiate for a good raise later on.

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Whether we are employed or not please know your worth and be able to defend the asks. We have come across as being the best choice for the company. This part of job search should be a touch of fun.

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Yes, certainly is possible, and TBH expected. Assuming you have done your research on the range of $$ for the position, definitely be appreciative of the offer but state “can we move closer to X?” (Whatever X may be, don’t ask/expect 30% — 10-15% is within norm.

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They don't know how desperate you are unless you tell them. Seriously. Negotiate like you have options, even if you don't. As long as you keep your ask professional and respectful, the worst that will happen is they say no. Then you accept and just keep looking for better.

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The best advice i ever got was when in a stretch of unemployment pick up some form of education. That way when an potential employer asks about that gap you were "investing in growth" rather than unemployed. It makes negotiations more in favor for your side.

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Why dont you say anything about how much they offered for what kind of role, so we can give better advice

Know your position and that you don’t have a ton of leverage. Look for what a reasonable range is and ensure you are in that. If they are just looking to lowball, it’s a sign of things to come. Does the gap matter less if you were doing freelance/volunteering/upskilling during that time? That might be able to give you some of that leverage back.

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