Before you begin talking job offers or salary requirements set your expectations realistically. If job seeker asks for too much, employer can gain the impression that he/she does not understand the market and ultimately end up disappointed. On the contrary, too little requirements don’t make a good impression too.

The key to negotiating fairly is experience and research. There are some tips that will help to state your market value:

1. Do a research.
You can use for your investigation Internet (professional industry associations and HR Web sites), browse job postings and classified ads.

2. Be realistic about your opportunities.
First of all be honest with yourself about your skills and knowledge. If you apply for a job with a high salary and you don't meet the job requirements, you’ll be disappointed.

3. Let in the possibility of misinformation.
Sometimes advertisements can make a lot of false promises concerning salary and job potential. So applicants should beware of taking everything they hear or read as a truth.

4. Concentrate your attention on the whole picture.
Don’t focus only on the salary. For sure, compensation is important thing, but you need to consider other thing when taking a new job. Think about whether or not the job is challenging enough, what the company culture is and so on.

5. Systematical character of decision-making.
You can use a list-making method. Give a piece of paper, and write down all the things that are important to you in order of their rank. Maybe good medical benefits or a short commute will matter more than a few extra dollars.

After you get all this knowledge about yourself, the market and your personal needs, you’ll be able to negotiate effectively.