According to Monster contributor Dawn Papandrea, many people feel uncomfortable asking for more money when offered a job. But unless the offer is spectacular, candidates with top notch resumes and in-demand skills should prepare to negotiate for better salary and benefits than offered. Carefully consider all offers and use the following tips to negotiate when you have landed that job.

Go in with a Positive Attitude and Communications

According to Harvard Law School, an important thing to remember in any negotiation is to stay positive. In salary negotiation, when you are asking for more resources from a potential employer, it’s imperative to keep your attitude and words positive, rather than forceful, demanding, or negative. Keep a positive attitude and use positive language when talking to recruiters and hiring managers.

Know Industry Salaries

Make sure you research industry salaries so you can negotiate confidently and realistically. Look at salaries for your position, experience, and geographic location. Look at the most in-demand jobs and skills, and if the job you landed is one of those, you know you are in a good position to ask for a better offer.

Another major consideration is using the most current salary data from reputable sources. Experts like Monster’s negotiation expert Paul Barada caution that salary surveys can be off by 25 to 35 percent, over not under. He recommends using median salary numbers as most reliable, where half made more and half made less.

Ask and Tell

Career services professional Jennifer Herrity suggests that when you have an attractive offer but want a better salary and benefits, be sure that you don’t just say you want more money. Doing your research on market salaries is half the work. You need to explain why you are asking for more than what is being offered. You should emphasize your strengths and the benefit you bring to the employer, as well as your career accomplishments.

Discuss your skills and experience in terms of how they will benefit your new employer’s bottom line. Certifications and specialized skills and projects that align with your new role will help convince the employer of your value. There is more to negotiating than just saying you want more than what is being offered.

Be Transparent

Negotiate with your strengths, not with bluffing or outright lies about other opportunities or previous salaries. When you discuss your strengths and the value you bring to the table, you will be more convincing and appreciated than if you act arrogantly or falsely. Remember, employers want honest, ethical, hardworking employees with integrity, so demonstrate those traits from the start. Herrity recommends being flexible with salary and benefits requests, remaining calm during negotiations, and asking more questions to keep the conversation upbeat and professional.

Practice Negotiating

Just as you would practice before an important interview, Herrity advises you should prepare and practice your negotiating conversation. Ask a friend or another trusted person to act as the hiring manager and work on your negotiating skills. Have notes and if possible, record your practice sessions to review for flaws or successful delivery.

Practicing how to discuss your salary expectations will make you more confident and comfortable with your request. It will make you more familiar with how to present your strengths and accomplishments and discuss them with employers. If you have the resources, working with a career coach or career advisor is ideal preparation for both interviewing and salary negotiation.

Don’t Focus Only on Salary

Daniel Bortz, writing for Society for Human Resource Management, reminds job seekers to think beyond just salary. He says if the employer won’t raise the salary offered, ask for a signing bonus and flexible work options if that is attractive to you. Additionally, he reminds people to ask about things like more paid time off, student loan repayment, and professional training.

Harvard Business School business administration professor Deepak Malhotra reminds job seekers that a no in salary negotiations may just mean no today. He says circumstances may change when you have been in the position and been productive and achieved results for the employer. And he reminds candidates that more money and better benefits now are not as important as getting the best job and work environment.

The Bottom Line