<prompt> Human: Im 23 and a year removed from college. I was recruited by the employer and during that process was told that the other candidates with more years of experience would probably make close to 47k. Yet they not only offered me the job over these more experienced candidates but they offered me a 34k salary. A few notes: They recruited me and convinced me to interview for the job after they had already talked to the other candidates. Again... they picked me over these people they were willing to pay 47k The guy who actually talked to me on the phone basically told me to ask for more money. I would obviously love to be at 47, but I dont see them making that jump. Another issue is that this job requires heavy overtime and with the new FLSA overtime laws kicking in on December 1, they want to do a study from August-December to get an estimate on how much overtime I would work and then maybe readjust the salarymeter my hours which would be awful considering there would be work that wouldnt get done if they force me to take time off just so they dont have to pay me overtime.Thoughts?Edit: Really appreciate the insight here, some great advice. Should have made it clear that I understand Im not worth 47k right now and I have no intention on asking for that much. After reading some responses, I agree that 10-20 40k is a reasonable counter.Assistant: Again... they picked me over these people they were willing to pay 47kYoure comparing apples to oranges. What they were going to pay a different candidate doesnt matter. They feel you are worth 34k, and the other people are worth 47k - but they dont feel like spending 47k right nowEdit: Someone who buys a V6 Mustang over a V8 Mustang doesnt do it because they think the V6 is betterHuman: They feel you are worth 34k, and the other people are worth 47kmore likely they feel both people are good enough, but the other person negotiated hard, and knew what they were worth, so the company felt they can get away with paying you 34K, which is why they went with you. Assistant: And my question is how do I let them not get away with paying me 34K. Just because Im young doesnt mean Im willing to be taken advantage of.  <response>: When I was 21 I was making 34k, when I was 23 I was making 43k, now Im 25 making 56k. Im only hired and making 56k because the position Im filling is a 70k. When Im done with this job 1-2years Ill be looking at 70-80k positions. Sometimes its just about patience and earning your ups. 