JT & Dale Talk Jobs: Can I negotiate salary when it states 'not negotiable'?

J.T.: Yes, I do think that's a bad idea. The company is being transparent about the salary and making it clear they do not have room to negotiate. For you to go through the entire hiring process only to tell them that you want more money would not make a good impression. You might even be seen as lying and thus not trustworthy. Instead, you need to reach out to them and let them know that you're very excited about the position but do need more money than what's listed and wondered if they'd still be willing to consider you. It's far more important that you are honest and start the relationship off on a good foot. If anything, they might see how great you are, and if they don't find candidates as good as you, they could circle back and consider you for the role.

DALE: That's a solid plan. I'd suggest one variation in the approach: Instead of saying some version of, "I know it's not negotiable but I'm hoping to negotiate anyway," you could state upfront that you think you're a perfect fit but have an obstacle with the salary, then say, "If you can't find someone ideal for the job at the salary level you now have, perhaps you'd consider me as a backup." This is an agreeable way of telling them you think they've mis-priced the job.