Salary negotiation often comes down to two things: doing your research and presenting a good case.

Sites like salary.com and glassdoor.com can provide self-reported data about what professionals are making in a specific role and at perhaps at the company you are negotiating with. Because the information these sites share is based on self-reported data, don’t consider them fully reliable, as they are not verified. However it is a starting point to build your case. You can also talk to professionals in the industry or at that company for even more insight.

You can make your case by comparing your qualifications to the job posting, highlighting those areas where you exceed the minimum requirements or meet those that are preferred. Be prepared with statements like:

• When you came to this number, I wonder if you took (fill in the blank) into consideration
• I appreciate the offer. Based on my research, something in this range (fill in the blank) seems more in line with the experience and education I bring

Also, know that salary is not the only part of compensation that is negotiable, so consider asking for parking, time off, or the opportunity to work from home as part of the negotiation.

For more information on negotiating your starting salary, check out the Evaluating Job Offers section of our website.