Marie Raperto, The Hiring HubSalary negotiations are difficult for many reasons.  Candidates are not prepared for the process and can get very nervous during the process.  It's important for a candidate to know their value and what they want/expect.  As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.What should you do?

• Know your value.  Use your networks as well as outside sites like Payscale and Glassdoor to research.
• Know what you want.  Is it just salary or the package?  You have to put everything up front from title to vacation to salary.
• Don't discount your skills.  If there is a learning curve to the new job, make sure you can sell your skills and ability to get the job done.
• Be strong and don't be intimidated.  Your employer probably has a lot more experience in this area or it may be that you are negotiating with your boss.  Just be prepared to speak up for yourself and why you believe you are entitled to what you are asking for.
• Don't accept a promotion or take on additional responsibilities without asking for a raise.  If you weren't good enough, they wouldn't give it to you.
• If you were promised a raise and didn't receive it, ask for it.  If you don't, it will be forgotten.

If you are working with an outside recruiter, make sure he/she knows what you want.  Even a recruiter can't always help at the last minute.  Knowing in advance will let the recruiter set the stage for the offer you want.