Salary Negotiation Tips

Look the part. In preparation for all of your interviews and meetings, be well dressed. When going into salary negotiations, you need all the confidence that you can get. Dress professionally; you will feel better about yourself.
Don’t rush into salary negotiations. Don’t discuss salary (don’t bring the subject up) until after the job has been securely offered to you. If you are asked to provide an expected salary, ask the potential employer what this type of job typically pays. Wait for the employer to give you a starting number to begin negotiations. Generally the person hiring will leave room for a 10%-20% increase from the starting point depending upon the candidate’s specific qualifications. So wait for the employer’s number, and then go from there.
Be well informed. Find out what other companies are paying for this job.
Know what you’ve got. Figure out which of your features you should highlight. For example--Would you be the only one in your department with a master’s degree? Do you have more years of experience than others? Find your selling point and use it.
Sell yourself. The company obviously wants you or they would not be offering the job to you. There is no harm in letting your employer know that you are worth paying extra for.
Keep a positive attitude. Go into negotiations believing that you are worth the salary that you want.

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