Yes, negotiating is fine. No problems there, it seems from the down votes that everyone misunderstood. I wasn't suggesting that an employee has to just take wha

Yes, negotiating is fine. No problems there, it seems from the down votes that everyone misunderstood. I wasn't suggesting that an employee has to just take what's offered or that's it. But trying to ding me for half a recruiter fee? That's just a scummy gimmick. I'd rather you just asked for $10k more in salary because you thought you were worth it. Suppose a friend said "I'm going to Outback for dinner, want to ride with me." You go with him, order the same stuff, and when you go to split the check he asks you to pay an extra $5 since he drove. You start wondering, did he just invite me to dinner to save $5? This is kinda like that. You applied to my company, I decided I wanted to hire you, and now you want me to pay you for having applied to my company directly? That's just shady. Do I even trust that you're going to remain with the company for long enough for this to be worth it for me, or do you just go around trying to ding employers for $10k? Take my word for it as someone who hires people, don't ask for a $10k bonus because you applied through the website. Ask for $10k more salary instead and explain why you're worth it.