Here is how a typical conversation goes with HR at my company.
HR Rep: Congratulations, we are offering you X job. Are you still interested?
Job candidate: Yes
HR Rep: Ok, we are thinking $X/hour/annually. What do you think?
Job candidate: <enter response here>
Now, why in the hell would a normal person at this point NOT think that they are free to negotiate? Anyone who has even the most BASIC understanding of negotiation knows that one party always offers LOW and the counter offer is always HIGH. Here are the possible responses at this point:
Job candidate: Sure, sounds great. = you are a fool, apparently have never negotiated for anything in your life, don't know how negotiations work at even a basic level, and we should probably rescind the offer because you're an idiot. Car dealerships love you, for your own protection stay 20 miles away from all car dealerships at all times.
Job candidate: Hmmm maybe $12/hour = you played it safe. Too safe. You got burned because you ignored the basic rule of negotiation - start high.
Job candidate: Hmmm maybe $18/hour = great, you have a basic understanding of negotiating a wage. You will probably be talked down and settle at $15/hour. Not bad. Good negotiation skills.
Job candidate: Hmmm maybe $50/hour = Again, clueless about negotiation with this ridiculous ambit claim. (For those who never studied business in college, this is a term for a ridiculous absurd demand in a business negotiation) HR is probably going to cut you loose at this point.
I hope some of you learned some basic negotiation skills from this post.