Is an offer presented to you lower than what you hoped? Learn more...

Be firm, if there is no flexibility in the offer, you can accept it as it is, or politely refuse and walk away. If the company is flexible on your terms, agree on all the new details in one conversation so that you can move forward with the next step in the process-signing and returning the written offer letter. Be respectful, if an offer is presented that is lower than what you hoped, thank the presenter. Ask if there is any flexibility in one or two of the areas that you've identified as being a priority for you. Regardless of the answer, always say you need time to consider the offer. Don't start negotiating new terms immediately.

What are your actions during the negotiation process learn more....

Be upfront, when asked about your compensation requirements during the initial interview, let the recruiter know where you stand. It's acceptable to ask if you're in the correct range for the position, and important to know so that both parties can make an informed decision about moving forward without wasting time. Be professional, your actions during the negotiation process will be remembered by everyone involved long after you're hired, and may be helpful when it comes to time to ask for a raise.

The guidelines that would help you in negotiating for salary during the interview process are here:

Before the interview, know what you want and prioritize what's most important to you in your new job-money, more responsibility, work/life balance, a shorter commute, corporate culture-before you begin interviewing. Be prepared, you should be ready to convince the recruiter that you are worth the amount at the higher end of the salary range. The easiest way to do this is to provide very specific examples of how you can add value to this organization-just like you've done throughout your entire career.

Success or Failure

Think about it. A lot of people who have jobs are dissatisfied with their jobs because they are trying to solve the right problem for the wrong employer. On the other hand, some others are trying to solve the wrong problem for the right employer. The best thing you can do then, is to prepare yourself to be the right problem`solver. Don't wait for someone to call you and give you a job. It is not wise to wait until work knocks at your door. It probably won't. Invest in yourself and look for opportunities to solve problems. If there are no opportunities, create them. You have to blaze your own employment trail. Sometimes,the recommendation of someone may help, but if you do not have this priviege, step out all the same. Someone will look at your merits and connect with you. There is a great deal of satisfaction in being able to stand alone and succeed. Life is how you look at it and what you make of it. Your attitudes and perceptions will determine your actions. The number of opportunities a person has in life depends not on how"lucky"he is, but on how well he has traind his mind to see opportunities in ordinary daily routines and occurrences. Success or failure depends more on the individual than his environment. What is your perception of life? It matters how you perceive your world. You will have to become "inverse paranoid" to succeed in a competitive environment. Let me explain. Being "inverse paranoid" is the belief that everything in life is conspiring together to help you succeed. With this kind of mind`set, the people that gravitate towards you will be those with your kind of attitude.

Negotiating Salary

When and how to talk about Money. Keep in mind that companies typically have salary ranges budgeted for specific roles within the organization. Exceptions aren't all that common. The only flexible item in a job offer may come down to things other than salary. Other benefits in kind like moving up your comfirmation date, annual leave period could be an alternative to a higher salary.

The following are the things never to say or do at an interview

As an interviewee, you must convey that you are a giver, not a taker, as employers hate to feel exploited. For intance, as a response to the question, "Why do you want this job", a Taker will say" Because it will be good for my career", while a Giver will say -"Because I think I have x and y to offer here" and describe it. Checkout these, they are things never to say or do at interview : * Never criticize your present employer or organization. * Never exaggerate your current remuneration * Don't inflate your experience * Do not disguise or misrepresent your job title. * Do not lie about your qualifications. * Do not fictionalize your interest.

Check out the interview questions

There are several questions that could be asked in an interview, but experience has shown that there are really only eight questions that are usually expressed in hundreds of different ways. The questions are: 1 What are you currently doing? 2 Why do you want this job? 3 Why do you want to work in this company? 4 What skills and experience do you have that meets our need? How will your skill help you to do this job to the highest standard? 5 How will you tackle this job? What are your ideas about changing or improving the way this role is carried out? 6 What kind of person are you? What are your abilities and weaknesses? 7 Do your personal circumstances, ambition and interest fit into our organization? 8 What questions would you like to ask us? You need to have built a comprehensive answer to these interview questions, and endeavor to do a practice interview with someone.

Learn how to follow up on the interview

Make notes about the interview to retain as much information for future reference. * Write down interviewer's name and title. * It is usually a good idea to send a short thank you note to the employer and /or the interviewer thanking them for their time. Also state that you are interested in the job and would like to be advised as soon as decisions are made about the position. * Shortly after, you should follow up the interview either through phone calls or a short letter. This shows initiative on your part that you are still interested in job.

Close: This is the part4, during the interview process

This is the wrap up. If the interviewer is really excited about you, you could get a last minute "selling" yourself. Also, ask any final question you might have. You should be aware that the interview is ending. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and for the information provided. If you are interested in the position, you might say "I am sincerely interested in the position and feel that I could do a good job for you. If you need any additional information please feel free to call me". You should leave as soon as possible. Do not forget to thank the sacretary or recept ionist on your way out. You will get instructions about what will happen next, such as: * Being told when you will receive a decision. * Being requested to fill a job application form. * Being invited for an office visit. * Suggestions about another meeting. * Expressing no further interest. * Providing other information as dictated by the employer's policy.

Part 3:The Discussion during the interview process

The discussion is a critical part of any interview. It is here that the interviewer tries to match your qualifications and career interests with the opportunities available at the firm. Having read the firm's profile and the type of jobs you qualify for and are interested in, you should now be able to enter a constructive dialogue about how you can fit into-and be profitable to-the firm. It is better to avoid asking questions that can be answered by reading the firm's literature. If comments on salary expectations are to be included in the interview, it will generally be in the discussion phase. However, let the interviewer be the one to mention salary first, even though you should have some idea of current salary through your research into the job. The discussion is also a chance for you to point out important qualifications that the employer may have left out or passed over lightly. Do not be afraid to point them out. You may not get another chance.

The interview process part 2: background

This is when the interviewer examines your basic qualifications for the job. He or she will try to determine if you meet or exceed the firm's requirements to perform excellently on the job. While you are listening or responding to the questions, the interviewer will note how you handle yourself; evaluate your qualifications and suitability for the employment. This is to help him revise or confirm the initial judgment made during the introduction.

Learn the basic rules that should guide you effectively, during the interview process

* Look directly at the interviewer and maintain eye contact. It shows good self esteem. * Do not speak with your hands in front of your mouth, face or play with any other part of your body -it shows timidity. * Be polite-it shows consideration for others. * Lay emphasis on the part of your background, training abilities that are quite relevant to the new job-it shows goal-orientation. * Do not chew gum or sweets during interview-it shows lack of respect. * Pay close attention to the person interviewing you. It is the interviewer's responsibility to lead the interview procedure-it shows focus. * Relax during the interview. BE CALM. It shows self confidence. * Speak clearly and in well organized sentences. Think before you respond and direct your answers to the questions. * A specific question requires a specific answer, remain focused on the question you have been asked. * Be prepared to discuss issues that you know you have relevant experience about. * Be ready to talk about your present positions/education and interests.

A typical interview part 1

This is to establish rapport. During the introduction, the interviewer observes and records his or her impressions of you and makes initial judgment about your professional appearance, manner, energy,enthusiam and communication skills. The reception area is the starting point of the interview, you should therefore greet the receptionist and the workers around cheerfully and with a good sense of humor. Greet the interviewer by their official name when being introduced.