How do you Negotiate your salary

Recent graduates are often so happy about being hired they don't think about negotiating their salary and benefits. Not only can they negotiate, they should. Here are some tips:

Study Up
Negotiating salaries is a skill that's learned, so read everything you can get your hands on about the topic. Go to the library and check out books on salary negotiations, read Web sites devoted to it and ask friends and colleagues about their own success stories.
Know Thyself
Don't simply ask for money. Before entering into a negotiation, you should calculate both the salary you'd like and the bare minimum amount you're willing to accept. The range between that high and low number will provide you with what experienced negotiators call a "zone of possible agreement."
Turn The Tables
If a potential employer asks you what kind of salary to expect, ask what has been budgeted for the position and go from there. The idea is to always to have the employer make the first offer. If you absolutely must answer, be as vague as possible. Answer with something like "I'm currently making in the low six figures."
Honesty Is The Best Policy
No matter what, never, ever lie about your salary. All you will manage to gain is a reputation for dishonesty.
Bidding War
Searching for a new job isn't fun. But when employees talk to multiple companies, that works to their advantage. If you're lucky enough to have multiple offers, feel free to pit one offer against another.
Survey Other Salaries
Employees should research what their colleagues are making so they know if their offer fits into that range.
Keep An Eye On Outside Opportunities
Staying in a job too long keeps employees from increasing their salary, since companies typically don't give raises more than a few percentage points. Larger raises tend to come when switching jobs and companies. Employees should try to keep one foot in the job market to keep tabs on what other opportunities are available.
Role-Play
Employees should ask a colleague to play out how negotiations might go. Make sure you come up with as many scenarios as possible so you don't hit any unexpected situations.
Negotiate Collaboratively
If you get a job offer with a higher salary and would like to see your current boss match the salary, you shouldn't say, "Unless you match the offer, I'm leaving." Instead, try taking this approach: "I have another job offer, but I'd like to stay here because I like working for this organization. Can you match the offer?"

To know more, hit the links below:

1) http://www.forbes.com/2007/10/03/work-pay-boss-lead-careers-cx_tw_1003raise.html?partner=leadership_newsletter
2) http://www.negotiationlawblog.com/
3) >http://www.latpro.com/USER/articles/resourcesforhumans/content.php?rfh=Latpro_NegotiatingIncrease.htm%20
4) >http://www.acetheinterview.com/