What Are You Worth?

No, the title of this post isn’t referring to the existential. It refers to your compensation on the job. Since it is considered taboo to discuss salary specifics with your co-workers, how do you find out if you are being properly compensated?

Monster has listed a few tips to finding out the answer to this question. Here are a few rules, listed in the article, for negotiating your salary.

• Don't be greedy. Seek a win-win agreement with a new employer. This cements good relations for you and the interviewer, and could save you from a lost offer if you hold out for the maximum.
• When an employer asks for your salary requirements in an ad or on a job application, indicate that you are negotiable. If you're asked to provide current salary, respond with, "Will discuss during interview.
• Never initiate salary discussions in an interview. Wait for the interviewer to bring the subject up, even if it's postponed to a second interview.
• Avoid explicit comparisons to your current salary. You're negotiating the strengths you'll bring to the new position, not past salary.
• Always assume the offer is negotiable.
• Never accept an offer at the interview. Express your strong interest, but state that you always evaluate important decisions carefully. Negotiate a date when you'll contact the interviewer with your decision.
• Discuss benefits separately from salary. Your list of benefits can include insurance, tuition reimbursement, relocation payments, stock options, bonuses and outplacement upon termination.