The old saying, “practice makes perfect,” is definitely the case when preparing to negotiate a top salary with the employer. Rehearse what you will say to the employer if an offer is extended. How will you start the negotiating? When negotiating you want to aim for the top of your salary range, but be prepared to accept another figure that falls in the range. What happens if the employer names a salary range much lower than your expectations? Practice handling different scenarios including how to turn down an offer that does not meet your expectations.

Avoid naming a specific salary until a formal offer is extended. If you name a salary that is too high before the interview process has even started, the employer will think that he/she cannot afford you and will most likely not call upon you for an interview. If you name a salary lower than what the job pays, you have already limited yourself and left little room for negotiation. When filling out the application, use words like “open” or “negotiable.” The key here is to let the employer name a salary range first.

Once you have made it through the difficult task of negotiating a top salary, it is time to confirm the offer in writing. Most employers will send a letter confirming your start date and salary, employment location, and any other details necessary to get you in the door. If the employer does not mention this, make it a point to ask for this information before you start the job. If nothing arrives to confirm your agreement, you need to continue looking for a job.