•  You: Alternative answer #1: “I'm delighted that you are interested in me and I am very interested in the position. Based upon my experience and also because of a variety of expenses I'll have when I graduate, such as paying off my college loan and having to get a car, I'd like to be making around $30,000. How do you feel about that?”

Alternative answer #2: “I really like the opportunity, and I know that I could contribute, but I have several other opportunities that are in the $30,000 range (don't say it unless it's true) is there a way we could work this out?”

Alternative answer #3: “I'm out of school now and on my own and really need $30,000 as a minimum. Is there a way we can work that out? I love the opportunity and would love to work here if I can get that number. What do you think?”

2. If you don't get a salary that is to your liking, but you want the job, ask if you can get reviewed in three months or six months instead of a year.

•  As the statements above have indicated, try to mention a positive or reinforcing statement about your liking the company or the job, before asking for other things. Your words say to them: “I appreciate the offer and I'm almost ready to join you, if I can just get this one last thing to make it perfect.”

In summary, remember that you will be spending the next 40 to 50 years working and it's important to find a job that you like and for which you are qualified. If you get an offer with a company you love or feel has great upward potential, but the salary is a little lower than you wanted, remember that it may still be worthwhile specially if it's a company where you can learn and grow over the long term. The process of negotiating, however, is an important skill, which, if learned early on, can pay handsome dividends over the course of your career, not only monetarily but also in your own self-esteem.

David Gordon is the Director for Advertising/Promotion Internships in the Marketing Communications Department of Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois . For more information about David, please go to: http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/pages/davidgordonbio.php

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