Salary negotiation is a very important and – many would agree – extremely exciting part of the job search process.

It is true to say that often the salary negotiation is not exactly about how much you cost, but about how expensive you can “sell” yourself. To some extent we can compare the “selling” process to slave-trading in the Middle Ages. Yes, you have to sell (=employ) yourself for some certain monetary reimbursement (=salary, bonuses, other benefits). This is what they used to do in the past as well – trade people. The crucial difference here is that we do that of our own will, plus we sell our knowledge, skills and ideas, but not our bodies, unless we are talking about some specific job positions, not covered within this abstract.

So what is the secret key to success in trading yourself (=salary negotiating)? In this article you are offered the most essential points on this topic – world’s best knowledge at your disposal!

1. Market research.

Before going for an interview (no matter if this is the first, second or final one – salary negotiation may be initiated anytime and you need to be prepared) make a thorough research on what the fair market value for the position in question is. You need to know that, because you expect to be paid at least not less then others doing the same job. It is not like you just know how much you want to be earning – you should be realistic and know the price the employer is expecting to pay.