Salary Negotiation Basics

If you know what you're looking for when you negotiate your salary, you'll be that much more effective in getting what you want.

Many people see negotiation as a process of each party trying to get the most for what they have to give. And that's a reasonable way to look at it when you're buying or selling a car, a computer or a carpet. It's tempting to look at job negotiations in the same way -- but not advisable.

Shoot for fair. When you're negotiating an employment contract, you're negotiating the basis for a relationship and you want to live happily together. This doesn't mean that you have to arrive at a compromise, but that you should come to an agreement that both parties feel is fair.

There are at least four factors that can increase your perceived worth. All of them fit into the context of networking and interviewing, and all of them can be turned to your advantage without alienating potential employers.


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