by Diane Stacey

Created on: August 05, 2007

Negotiating the right salary can be as critical as finding the best job. It is important to provide a reasonable answer when questioned about the salary you want, but giving specific information too early in the discussion can hinder your chances of getting to an offer.

A job search involves several important steps which contribute to the overall process. The end result will be obtaining a new position with the total compensation you desire. It is important to note that compensation includes both base salary and bonus. As you work through each of these steps, you will be building a package to inform potential employers what you can offer their firm and how much your talent and skills are worth.

First is the preparation of your resume. It should represent your prior experience, education and qualifications. Even if you have an old version on file, it is a good idea to think fresh and improve on the descriptions used in the past. Your resume should be tailored for each position you apply for. Depending on the job responsibilities, you may want to highlight different aspects from your career to parallel the job description with your experience.

While an interview is your opportunity to market yourself, keep in mind that your resume is often your first impression. Resumes begin the salary negotiation process. As recruiters review your prior experience and qualifications, they will get a good idea of what your background may be worth in the industry. Your resume is the key to unlocking the door to begin discussions with any company.

As you edit your resume, make a list of both professional and personal contacts that you can use as references. Employers will most likely want to talk to individuals who have either worked with you in the past or have known you for several years. The information provided by references can also be factored into the final calculation to determine starting salary. Don't list references who will offer negative feedback. Instead, provide resources to be part of your sales team in marketing you.

Once your resume is in order, you are ready to define your ideal position. Start by creating your own job description, defining your dream job. List the ideal responsibilities, working conditions and job aspects that you want in your next position. Beyond responsibilities, it is important to factor in aspects such as required travel, certifications, new skills required, and flexibility in hours or work location. These contribute to the overall salary you

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