Tips to help you negotiate a better salary

When you are interviewing for a new position, one of the biggest concerns is your salary. Of course you don't want your potential employer to know that, but it's true for most of us. So what are the negotiation steps?

* Wait until there is an offer. Let the interviewer bring up the subject of salary. If they ask you what you are looking for, tell them you expect a competitive salary compared to the local average and that you see no problem accepting it. The point of not naming an actual figure first, is that you don't want to high ball it, as they will immediately take you out of the running. If you low ball it, they won't offer you anything higher than your figure, which will put you at a disadvantage.

* Respond with silence. Once they name a figure, let a moment of silence pass. This is when you need your poker face.

* Counter with a researched response. Do some salary research before the interview to see what the average is in your field. If the offer is comparable, let them know you think it's a fair salary. If the offer is considerably lower, show them your research and negotiate a more comparable package. Keep in mind that some companies simply pay less than others and don't have the ability to change the offer. Try to get other benefits to make it a better package. For instance, paid parking, stock options, flexible scheduling, or extra vacation days may make it worth your while.

* Clinch the deal. Get the offer in writing and ask when they need an answer.

A great plan of action will get you the best results, so be prepared the next time you go on an interview. And good luck!

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