It may seem absurd to haggle over salaries with a potential employer, but that’s exactly what companies expect.

According to Tori Dunlap, founder of the women-centric financial education company Her First 100K, many hiring managers give you a salary offer that is below their budget because they assume you will counter with a higher number.

This is exactly why you should be willing to ask for more money before signing a contract, Dunlap said.

Check out this video to see Dunlap’s other two pieces of advice for job seekers.

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