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One of the most seemingly complex and frightening aspects of securing employment is the possibility of negotiating your salary.  Presumably, everyone wants a fair and just salary for the work they perform.  Yet, many people do not understand the proper way to negotiate a salary.  There are three basic principles in negotiating salaries 1) research, 2) preparation, and 3) negotiation.

Research

Researching salaries is a critical component of negotiating a salary.  In order to get the best possible salary, you must first do your homework.  Assess your financial needs and limitations and research the salaries for local employers.  The Career Services Office chas a number of resources to help you understand the salaries in your market:

• Jobs & JD's Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates
• Public Sector & Public Interest Attorney Salary Report
• Starting Salaries: What New Law Graduates Earn

In addition to CSO print resources, check out the following online resources:

• salary.com - a free & fee based site that explores salaries all over the country in different fields.
• The Career Journal - part of the Wall Street Journal - excellent source.

Preparation

Now that you have your needs and the job market researched, what additional preparation must you do?  Compile the "I'm worth every penny you pay me" list!  This list is comprised of

• Your marketable skills
• Your experience
• Your honors, awards, and accomplishments

You should also spend some time practicing.  What will you say?  How do you say it? 

How to Negotiate

Once you have completed your research and have an offer on the table, you'll need to start negotiating.  The following are basic tips in negotiating effectively:

• Always negotiate in person - never via phone or email
• Let the employer make the first offer - at this point, there may be no need to negotiate
• Be professional - remember to stay calm, maintain eye contact
• Be prepared - demonstrate your knowledge of the market, employer, position, and yourself - what will the employer gain by negotiating with you?
• Know when to walk away - there are times in the negotiation process when both parties can negotiate no more
• Get the salary in writing