When you are negotiating your compensation with a company be certain that you have done your homework first. By this we mean, you need to research the position, the field, the geographical location, and the company so that you have a realistic range. If at all possible, we highly advise, you do not make the first offer, let the company tell you what they are looking to offer first and then negotiate from there. Keep a salary range (the lowest you’ll accept, your realistic offer and the dream offer) in your mind as well as what you expect regarding the complete package (401K, Ins, bonus, etc). While you are negotiating your compensation, be mindful to let the managers know your reasoning for your requests. It will help them see how you think, how you communicate and place a value on your skill set. Remember to stay calm, confident and flexible during your negotiations and to keep your ego in check. It’s not personal – It’s business.