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Salary Information & Negotiations

The following points will help you navigate a salary negotiation.

  1. Determine the market values for the type of job you are applying for and where the job is located geographically. (some of the sites listed below will assist you)
  2. Think about what salary you do want and what you would be willing to settle for.
  3. Remember that most entry-level salaries are lower than you think and usually less negotiable.
  4. Whatever you have heard about what your friends are making is irrelevant.
  5. Be prepared to market your experience, skills, and education.
  6. Don't state "how much" you need. Your needs are of no concern to the employer.
  7. Always give the employer a "range" for your salary requirements. i.e. 'My salary requirements are in the upper thirty thousand to low forty thousand dollar range'.
  8. If you are asked how you determined this "range", explain that you did your homework about the salary ranges for the type of position you are interviewing for. Remember to back this up with your experience, skills, education.
  9. If you are asked for your salary history, please don't lie.
  10. When a formal offer is made, please get it in writing.
  11. Remember to factor in ALL of the benefits that come with job. I.e. Insurance coverage, health, eye, dental care, retirement packages, investment packages, profit sharing, etc.

The following are just a sampling of the many salary information related sites on the Internet.