Whether you're a new hire, getting promoted or just concerned about compensation, there will come a time in your career when you'll need to negotiate for better benefits. Most people dread this process, fearing they're about to get ripped off or that they'll come across as a blowhard. Negotiation doesn't have to be painful if you remember to prepare yourself, be bold and plan ahead.

Be Prepared

Know what you're worth before sitting down to negotiate. If you're a new hire, how much does this employer need you? Is your work specialized or can you be easily replaced? If you've worked with the company before, how have you benefited the organization? Bring examples of successful projects to your meeting. Have a clear idea of the standards for your position. Use tools like Salary.com's Salary Wizard or the Occupational Outlook Handbook to make sure you're getting all you're entitled to. Also, brush up on the company's Employee Handbook to learn which benefits are considered standard and which you'll have to push for. Use that information as leverage in your negotiations. Don't negotiate before identifying what you want. For most, health insurance and a retirement plan are enough. Go beyond the basics. Take time to think about other potential perks, such as extra vacation days, work-from-home options or comp time. Decide which items are essential to you and which are icing on the cake. If you don't get your basic needs met, be prepared to walk away.

Be Bold

According to Nicole Schapiro, author of "Negotiating for Your Life," most people sell themselves short. "People don't negotiate because it's a habit not to. They give up way too soon because they have an issue with authority." Don't fall into this trap. If you know what you're worth and you know what you want, be bold about asking for it. Open the discussion at your maximum requests. You may have to compromise from there, but you'll never get everything you want if you don't ask for it. Even if you don't walk away with the full package, your employer will learn that you value yourself and your work.

Plan Ahead

Once you've reached an agreement, get it in writing. Bosses are busy people and it's easy to forget agreements made in casual conversation. Have your employer draft your agreement, then get her signature. If she's reluctant to sign, it's a sign that things aren't on the level. When creating your agreement, remember that negotiating better benefits isn't a one-time deal. You'll go through this process several times in your career. Lay the groundwork for future successful negotiations. Build a biannual performance evaluation into your contract. Steven Rothberg, president of CollegeRecruiter.com, suggests this evaluation should be put in writing as well to create concrete records for reference in future negotiations.

Source:

Bankrate.com: Yours for the asking: better benefits; Julie Sturgeon

Resource:

Salary Wizard

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook