Compensation packages for administrative professionals vary widely by industry. In fact, administrative professionals with similar years of experience may receive very different salaries or benefits depending on their employer. Given this unique situation, it is particularly important for administrative professionals to consider their salary requirements as a part of the job search process.

Many people find it difficult to approach the subject of salary during a job search or to negotiate salary after an offer. Remember, getting proper compensation for your work will lead to long-term job satisfaction, which benefits your employer as much as it benefits you.

Do Your Homework
Your best tool is knowledge. Before you interview, do research about administrative jobs in your field. What is the salary range? Consider your experience in the field and estimate how much you deserve to make. When you are called for an interview, do some research about the individual company. What types of packages, perks, and benefits do they offer?

Hold Your Tongue
When interviewing, don’t bring up salary or offer unsolicited information about your current earnings. It’s better to let the employer make the first offer. If your prospective employer asks how much you’d like to make, you can give a salary range, saying your exact number would depend on benefits and other details.

Be Honest
If you are asked directly, you must be honest about how much money you are making at your current position. When negotiating, explain what salary you feel you deserve, discussing your previous salary and benefits, what you will add to the company, and industry standards. Steer clear of mentioning how much money you need, since that number isn’t relevant to the discussion.

Negotiate Before Accepting an Offer
After a long career search and emotional interview process, the job is yours. When you get the good news, you may be tempted to shout, “I’ll take it!” However, it will be much easier to discuss changes in your salary or benefit before you have already given them the green light to the employer.

Understand Your Package
In addition to salary, you may want to discuss factors like start date, relocation expenses, family obligations, hours, or a vacation that you’ve already planned. Consider what other benefits (health insurance, vacations, stock, or company perks) you are being offered, and weigh those against your current position.

Know The Limits
Negotiations must be carefully executed, especially when it comes to money. It is important to be firm so that you aren’t accepting an offer that is lower than what you deserve; at the same time, don’t be overly aggressive. Know when to stop the negotiations and realize when a job offer is not negotiable.