> in almost all cases the recruiter makes more money by getting you a higher salary Where you get screwed is negotiating non-monetary compensation because it d

> in almost all cases the recruiter makes more money by getting you a higher salary Where you get screwed is negotiating non-monetary compensation because it doesn't benefit the recruiter. More vacation days, more stock options, that kind of thing. Additionally, it's a lot like the chapter in Freakonomics about realtors. It's in the recruiters best interest to get you to accept and so, while they will get a little more money if they can get a higher salary for you, the most important thing is to close the deal. A recruiter has little incentive to play hardball for you. Another $1000 in salary for you might only translate to $50 or less for them. I don't begrudge them because I understand the incentives they're working for but people should be aware of it and think about it before they start working with a recruiter. If you have a salary in mind tell them its firm. Don't believe that they are your best friend and that what they say is max salary truly is.