To get the compensation that will make you happy, apply these tactics at the negotiating table:

Keep up with salary trends. Some candidates get into salary discussions without any inkling of what the current market rates are. Don’t get caught flat-footed.
Your best move: Make like an imbestigador-do research, sleuthing and networking to be a tough negotiator.

Know your worth. It’s naïve to think that the interviewer will make you a great salary offer. More likely, he will quote a figure at the lower bracket for this position.
Your best move: Be clear about your skills, talents and knowledge, and be prepared to tell the recruiter how you can use these to benefit the company.

Hold that pen. Don’t give salary info away-not your past, present or future (desired) income-in your resume or in the application form. If you reveal this secret, you are eroding your bargaining power.
Your best move: Say you’re willing to discuss the matter during the interview or that your desired salary is negotiable.

Hedge about the real score. If the interviewer asks how much you’d like to get, don’t give specifics. If you choose a salary below their minimum, you’re likely to get the lowest rate and if you overshoot the mark, you could price yourself out of contention.
Your best move: Talk in ranges to give yourself some room to maneuver.

Haggle with confidence. Feel like a lump of meat for sale? Don’t be ashamed to negotiate-it shows you have a high regard for yourself.
Your best move: Talk with confidence, but be careful not to sound arrogant. Remember, the employer won’t make you an offer if they didn’t think you’re the right woman for the job.

Slow down. And when you finally get an offer? Don’t rush to accept, smiling ear to ear. Phone offers in particular should be suspect-always insist on a personal meeting.
Your best move: If you get a so-so offer, hesitate to show you’re not happy; the employer might just raise the stakes to sweeten the pot. Bide for time to contemplate your next move and ask for another meeting to finalize talks.

Find alternatives. If the employer is firm with his final offer, find out if he will agree to giving you non-monetary concessions.
Your best move: If he is willing to give non-financial perks, explore the possibility of getting allowances, bonuses, performance raises, stock options or a written promise of salary increase. You might even prefer to telecommute or become a consultant.

Whatever the outcome of your negotiation, extract and remember the lessons you’ve learned. Who knows? You may have to recall them if you need to play the negotiation game again.