Salary Negotiation
Stop! Don’t say a thing about salary until you have to! At any stage in the interviewing process, even during a phone screening interview,(link types of interviews under interviewing) you may be asked the salary question. S/He who speaks first looses, generally, and you want win-win for you and your employer
This is one very important factor in your job search; being able to support yourself. A few important tips will assure this happens.
WHAT TO DO:
Research: Before you speak to the employer do your research. Determine what the position you are being interviewed for is really worth.
Then, have a range in mind. Use the lowest figure you can live on (see transitioning to the workplace) and go at least 10% higher to begin your range. For instance, for a 30,000 per year job
you might say 33-40,000 per year depending upon the complete offer package which includes insurance, vacation, tuition reimbursement, etc (link to chart on entire compensation package).
Wait until you are wanted. When you know that the position is being offered to you, and that the employer is willing to put it in writing, you have the power to negotiate. Until then, say that you are sure you and employer can reach agreement but you would rather not give a range until you know the full scope of job responsibilities and benefits package.
When the employer offers you a figure, even if it is in your range, you don’t have to accept. You can, and should, politely say “thank you for your offer. I would like to see the complete offer and compensation package, review it, and I will get back to you by…(date) Would this be agreeable with you?”
The employer is always interested in getting you to agree to the lowest possible figure. However, the employer has room to negotiate, and most expect to. So assume this will be a win-win situation and, in the time that you have before you need to make a final decision, seek some advice from a career counselor or other person who is knowledgable in such matters, if for nothing more than a second opinion.
For more detailed advice, please refer to the link below and use the site map to find the answer to your question in the tutorial http://www.quintcareers.com/salary_negotiation_tutorial.html or Vault on salary negotiation.