$$ Pay Rate $$

You want to get paid the highest amount possible but you don't want to price yourself out of the market.


Handle the pay issue in a way that facilitates this winning outcome.

• Know what the going market salary range is for your functionality at your level of experience. Conduct a salary comparison. Pricing yourself outside of this range will be self defeating.
  
  
• Have realistic expectations regarding your ability to influence a position's stated pay range. Understanding where your ability to influence the offer ends will help you decide where to draw the line.

• Know how to position your candidacy Be aware of how your interactions with the "company" can influence the ultimate offer.

• Know when to discuss the pay issue. This involves understanding basic salary negotiation tactics and waiting until your leverage is greatest.

If you have doubts about a company's work environment or a potential manager's business ethics proceed with caution! Working for a company that does not value its employees or working for a manager that has no interest in your ability to thrive may not be worth it at twice the pay.

Working for a company that recognizes and appreciates its employees' contributions or working for a manager that is willing to facilitate your growth and advancement can be worth much more than gold in the long run.

Don't lose sight of this when striving to negotiate the best possible pay.