How to have the power

Fight with fire

1. Like the Boy Scouts, it’s best to be prepared. In fact, preparation can be critical. Gather as much knowledge about a company's hiring practices before interviewing with them. You’ll be yards ahead of the game, and less likely to offend, if you know the company’s past behaviors and how far they will go in negotiations.
   
   
2. If you want to persuade someone to change his/her mind, then shut-it-up. Listen to what the other person really cares about. Sure, go ahead and ask questions about their motivations, but actively listen to their answers, too. Step into their penny loafers, cowboy boots, or Birkenstock sandals for a moment.
   
   
3. Have some alternatives? After better understanding what your company-to-be values, try developing some interesting ideas that will be mutually beneficial. Be creative. For instance, if the employer-to-be is willing to kick in eye care coverage, you’ll not only be able to see the computer screen better, but you may also be willing to look at it for longer periods of time. Define those times specifically and get some contacts. Or take less money for more flextime and vacation. In the end, just be sure the company agrees to the elements of the deal that are most important to you. Know your priorities before dropping alternatives on the table.
   
   
4. Be prepared to commit. Don’t ask for something, get it, and then declare with a snicker, “just kidding.” It’s not so funny to your employer-to-be.
   
   
5. Play fair. Commonly, if the negotiators feel the process is just, they are more likely to commit - and less likely to walk right out those double doors. So if they need proof that the average salary for a certified systems engineers isn’t minimum wage, then be prepared with evidence from several expert resources.
   
   
6. The truth or the consequences. Steer clear of lying or your credibility will die faster than a modem hit by lightening. Naturally, it is to your advantage to use the truth to your benefit. Use your good judgment and stellar moral character to determine how much or how little to delve into your background and achievements.
   
   
7. Don’t tell a prospective employer, “We don’t need to write that down. I trust you.” Or, just as careless: “I’ll sign now and we can hash out the details later.” Is your name Ms. Ima Pushover, or what?
   
   
8. Remember to steer clear of asking for the world, unless you’re in a good position to do so. In other words, are you skills in demand? Have they even made you an offer yet? If not, put yourself on pause and wait until the opportunity arises. You’ll need leverage first.
   
   
9. Know when to cut it out. Let’s step back here: Are you looking greedy and possibly a speck unreasonable? When you’ve hit the point in bargaining where you’ve got all you can get, just say thank you, and accept or decline the position graciously and effusively. If you don’t recognize the point at which to stop the negotiations, you run the risk of alienating yourself from the company. Otherwise, they’ll surely wish they never started this deal and will begin looking for ways to cut it off, pronto.
   
   
10. While you can look at a few diagrams with captions to learn how to install a new hard drive, this just isn’t so with learning to negotiate. It’s a soft skill, and there isn’t necessarily just one correct way to do things. You will need to roll with the unpredictability of human interactions. Modify your tactics as needed - and when needed.

What else?