You excelled in the interview,

you've been offered the job,

and now you're down to negotiating the deal...

But how do you make sure you secure the best deal for you?

A few tips:

• Know your worth

You may have an idea of what you are worth based on anecdotal information about what

people like you are paid, but you will need something a little more scientific if you are to

convince a future employer. Have a comparison list with you in the interview. Write out

the requirements for the job, as listed in the advertisement. Add any extra skills you

believe are important for the role. Then tick those items that you closely match. This

gives you a physical list of your strengths as compared to the employer's needs, and a

negotiation base.

• Timing is important

Think of the timing and importance of the things you want to negotiate, and acknowledge

that some things are not negotiable. Pushing in the wrong direction will only cause

friction, and may distract you from pursuing a more productive avenue. For example,

don't ask for a car of a specific make or a house in a particular locality. You could be seen

as over-confident or, worse, over-demanding.

• Look at the whole package subjectively

Some companies have their hands tied when it comes to salary, but may have a number

of other benefits that will raise your overall remuneration to a figure that meets your

expectations. Consider the tax benefits and liabilities of having a company car, for

example, or the opportunity for flexible working or working from home, if this is

important to you.

• Work towards a win-win situation

It is possible to be too good at negotiating. Squeezing every last penny out of your future

employer will not get the relationship off on the best footing. Remember that you will

most likely be working with the person you are negotiating your salary with, so keep

things convivial, lest your working relationship does not match your salary. Be prepared

to compromise. If you ask for six benefits and the company comes back with two, settle

for three or four and everyone will win. It's important that the outcome of the negotiation

is a win-win situation.

• Know your limits

Sometimes no amount of negotiation will get you what you want. If it does not meet your

needs, it is time to stop rather than end up with the wrong deal. If not, then be upfront as

soon as possible, so that the interviewer can consider you in an enhanced light or,

alternatively, cut the process short to save time for all concerned.