Of course, the first step in any successful salary negotiation is to do your research. PayScale’s Salary Survey gives you a salary range based on responses from thousands of people with your qualifications, experience, and job title.
More from PayScale:
Does your salary history really matter?
5 cover letter mistakes that are ruining your job search
Declare your independence from your employer (but not the way you think)
But if you’re pressed to give a number, don’t provide a range. Research shows that giving a precise number, e.g. $52,000, is more persuasive than giving a round number or a range.
Why? Because it makes you look more informed. The idea is that hiring managers will assume you’ve done your research if you’re more precise. In any case, as long as the number is within the range that’s acceptable and appropriate, it’s worth a try.
Of course, you might be wondering if it’s better to give a number at all. Shouldn’t you make the hiring manager throw out the first figure?
There are two schools of thought on this. One is that by making them name their price, you’ll find out the real budget for the job. The other is that by going first, you set the tone for the negotiation.
In the end, the most important thing might be to make a decision and be ready to change up your strategy on the fly. The only wrong answer is not to prepare. (Just remember that no matter what, your salary history is your business and no one else’s.)
When it comes to salary negotiation, “it’s better to do in person or over the phone,” says Alison Doyle, Job Search Expert at The Balance. “It’s easier to not get yourself locked into a numbers game.”
However, Doyle says that it can work to negotiate via email “if you phrase it carefully.” She recommends stating that you’re very interested in the position, and then asking if there’s any flexibility in the compensation package.
If that appeals to you, she offers a sample salary negotiation email template to get you started.
Like this story? Like CNBC Make It on Facebook.
Don’t miss: This mental trick can help you accomplish your most challenging goals