Salary and Negotiation
Office of Career Services

Keys to successful salary negotiation:

-Do your homework. Find out what individuals in your industry, with your experience and education are being paid.

-Be realistic. Keep your expectations in check and do the research to find out if those expectations are accurate.

-Find out if negotiation is typical in your industry or position. Some salary offers are not negotiable.

-Location matters. Determine the cost of living and take that into account.

-Salary is not the only thing to consider. You are being offered an overall package. Take into account the additional benefits that come with the position.

-Do not accept the position right away if you are not comfortable with the salary or any piece of the offer. If you are interested thank them for the offer and ask them for some time.

-Prepare your case. The fact that you think you deserve more money is not enough. You need to make it a win/win situation. What do you bring to the position that makes you worth more than they offered?

-Negotiation is always a risk. You may end up with everything you want, some of what you want, none of what you want or you may lose the offer. Determine what you are willing to risk to get what you want and what you are willing to give up if you have to.

-How you approach the negotiation is very important. Be professional and focus on their needs as well.

-Some sites you may want to utilize for research:

Quintessential Careers Negotiation Tutorial
In depth tutorial to assist you in planning your negotiation strategy.

Salary.com
A salary site that allows you to search by position and location.

National Association of Realtors Salary Calculator
A site that can help you compare living costs by location.

Occupational Outlook Handbook
Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Sperling’s Best Places
General community information.