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Your Salary - Find Out How to Get the Most....

You hear the words, "We would like you to come to work for us." What next?

What you need to know before accepting a job offer.

The stages of salary negotiation are critical to your obtaining your deserved and desired income.

This process starts before you are even offered the job, and there are four stages that we use.

Negotiate the position.
Surpass and survive your opposition - the company must need YOU and know the value YOU can add to their organization before you discuss compensation.
Get the job offer.
Negotiate the compensation package.

Understand that you must influence individuals other than the Human Resources Department. You have to convince the rest of the team that they need you and that you will be a perfect fit in their organization.

Many job seekers think you simply go to a job interview and accept the position without discussing salary options. They believe the salary the company offers is something you either take or leave. You need to remember that the company is already interested in you, or an interview wouldn't have been set up.

There are many tricks employers use to find out what salary you are willing to accept or to get you to accept a lower salary that what they may have offered.. One is to offer you the job and ask when you can start - with no mention of salary. Another is to ask what salary you need. Don't fall into the trap of answering. To get around this, explain that you really need to know more about the position, the responsibilities, the level of authority, and the accountability before you can further discuss salary expectations.

Company benefits, commissions, and bonuses are part of the salary negotiation. Remember, a salary is more than just $$$$$$$. Ask about vacation time, health plans, a company vehicle, expenses, flexi-time, or reimbursement for training and education.

Research the company and find out as much as possible about company benefits, working environment, salary range, and the going rate for the position, based on the number of years experience. The more information you have, the better armed you will be.

The company needs to know that you are negotiating toward a mutually beneficial arrangement, not just what is right for you. State what you feel you are worth and have your detailed reasons in front of you during the discussion. Let them make a counter offer. This is an important opportunity for you to show your worth and how you will contribute to the company's bottom line and long-term goals. State why you want to be a part of their team. Reiterate your relevant skills, accomplishments, and qualifications.

When you are presented with an offer, don't just accept it. Ask for a few days to determine if this is really the job and compensation package for you. Think about your career plan. If this is not what you want and you believe it will not satisfy you, let them know. It is your decision and you have total control of your career destiny.

If you are happy with what is offered, get it in WRITING: everything that was discussed, not only the salary but also the health plans, vacations, etc. The majority of companies will provide this in writing. If not, move on to a more professional company. We have seen job seekers accept positions with promises for salary and benefits that never materialized.

Learn more about the art of salary negotiation, requests for a raise, and other career techniques.