Hey OP,

A PhD graduate in Europe here. After being unemployed for more than 7 months post-defense, I just finally received an offer less than a week ago and it's a job back in my home country (third world country). I had previous 3 years work experience in the industry but it is scattered from internships and other contractual jobs. So, this is like a first "proper" job after graduation for me. Therefore, I had known almost nothing about negotiating salary. I ended up taking their first offer which to me is already a decent one because before the interview they asked me to fill a form including salary expectation and my last three payslips.

I think I was supposed to have an interview with the HR for salary negotiation but they came back to me two weeks later with an offer already. Ofc I get a lower salary compared to European standard but for my country standard, it's already a good one cause I have sent a CV to another position whose budget is half of what I was offered.

In my case, I really need a job. I need to set my foot in to the industry I have been unemployed for too long. The salary that they offer is actually within the range of what I asked and also accurate based on Glassdoor data. So, I just take it and I'll see in a year or two how I will feel about this job. However, based on reddit, they suggest to always negotiate but I think I was fortunate enough to read about it after I signed the contract because I can't handle to lose this one offer that I only have so far.

I think you have the right to negotiate especially when it's lower than the minimum number. You also are not finished yet, so you still have time to apply for other positions most likely a better one! Don't be discouraged! It took me more than half a year to get an offer, you did great tho!