Experience with salary negotiations?

[lemondrop]

I posted this on ML, but I thought the ladies of MM might also have some good suggestions.

I'm meeting with my soon-to-be boss tomorrow morning to discuss benefits and salary. She's already made an OK offer, but I've read that you're always supposed to negotiate. I'm nervous, and need some pointers.

Do you have any hints, tips or experiences to share?

[Deleted]

My only experience was DH's job works in "levels" so while he was offered the best salary at one level, he said based on x experience he had he wanted to start at the next level up (higher salary and bonus) and they said yes.

My sister couldn't get a higher salary but was able to negotiate paid for parking (about $400 a month) and I think an extra week of vacation when they couldn't meet her number.

So have a salary number you want, but consider other things that you may be willing to give up some money for.

[y4m]

You say "soon to be boss" - Have you already accepted the position? Obviously that would decrease your leverage here.

Have you been given a full rundown of benefits, work hours, etc? - one basis for negotiation might be any decrease from your current position to those... Is the healthcare more expensive? Ask for a salary increase to make up for that. No need to bring up any areas where the new job is better than the old one.

Have you looked at Salary.com to get a sense of what this position should generally pay? Can you make an argument for an increase based on that? Or make a case that you exceed the requirements they put in the job description in X and Y ways, and should be compensated accordingly.

Also think about things to negotiate aside from salary--maybe increased vacation time?