Salary Negotiation 101

Dissatisfaction with the level of compensation a position provides is one of the top reasons why people decide to look for greener pastures. LinkedIn reported that over one-third of surveyed job seekers left their current job because they were dissatisfied with their compensation and benefits. This means that, when changing jobs, many seekers want to increase their salary. But that's easier said than done.

How to increase your salary during the job search

Once you've received a job offer, make your move. Negotiating at this stage won't offend anyone and it's not likely to cause the employer to rescind the job offer. Business Insider reported that it is appropriate to ask for a 10 to 20 percent increase over your previous salary. However, it's important to remember that if you are working with a recruiter, the employer may have already negotiated a rate with the staffing firm. In these cases, it is critical to discuss your salary expectations with your recruiter beforehand, as any negotiation post-offer may sour the relationship. Be upfront with your recruiter to make sure they are presenting the right roles to you!

Additionally, you can always rely on a recruiter as a resource. He or she has years of experience and in-depth knowledge of your chosen industry, along with insights that only come with being "in the trenches" daily, so to speak. Your recruiter can leverage this expertise and help you know exactly where you stand in the marketplace.