The Secrets of Salary Negotiation

Before accepting a job, a salary must be discussed at some point.  To be prepared for such a discussion with your employer, you should want to and be able to negotiate your salary.  Without going into extreme detail, there are six main secrets to salary negotiation that everyone should pay attention to.

• Do not discuss salary with the employer until after the employer clearly states that they want you.
• This next one is key.  The main purpose of salary negotiation is to reveal the most that the company or organization is willing to pay you to get you in the door.
• When salary does come up, don't be the first one to bring up a salary figure
• Do your research.  Before your interview and before discussion regarding salaries, it is important to carefully research what is a typical salary for your field and in that particular organization. (I find www.salary.com to be extremely helpful!)
• In addition to doing your research on typical salaries within your field/organization, it is also a great idea to research the range in which the company has in mind, and in addition to that, to define a salary range for yourself based on the employer's range. 
• Last but certainly not least, the sixth secret of salary negotiation is knowing how to close the deal.  Avoid leaving the salary an open conversation to save for later.  An important thing to remember about closing the deal on salary is to get it in writing and a signature.  This serves as a contract between both you and the employer.  

Hope these tips have been helpful!  Negotiate away!