Salary Negotiation:

Yeah, to be honest the salary doesn't really concern me that much -- it's answering the question I'm afraid of -- I think I'm going to say 40-50K, thats a broad range and hopefully good. I'll still try to avoid the question if possible, but we'll see!

You can also skirt the issue totally by saying, what do you expect the salary to be? Put the ball in their court without giving an actual number. If they give you a range, then tell them a number you're comfortable with.

If you know the approximate salary range, don't be afraid to throw that out there and say something like "based on the research I've done the range for this position appears to be X amount to Y amount (at that point you could ask if they agree with said range), and I'm comfortable discussing a figure in this range".

I would definitely avoid getting pinned down to an exact figure.

Don't be shy asking high. If they really want you, they'll say this: "Sure, that's more than we're willing to pay, but let's at least OFFER him a lower figure because all he can say is 'no'".

I would agree. In most companies you're going to get your money coming through the door so don't be afraid to shoot high. Not ridiculously high of course, but keep in mind they're going to come at you on the lower end of things so they are playing the same game you will be.

If you know the approximate salary range, don't be afraid to throw that out there and say something like "based on the research I've done the range for this position appears to be X amount to Y amount (at that point you could ask if they agree with said range), and I'm comfortable discussing a figure in this range".

I would definitely avoid getting pinned down to an exact figure.

Now that I think about it, that's probably the best approach. Show them you've done your due diligence and try to put the ball in their court.

And don't accept the first offer on the spot! There's usually some wiggle room in there somewhere, even vacation time is negotiable with most companies. If they won't budge on salary ask for an extra week of vacation. I've found that companies are far more generous with throwing you an extra week of vacation over giving you more money. So if you value time off, don't be afraid to negotiate vacation time too!

I would agree. In most companies you're going to get your money coming through the door so don't be afraid to shoot high. Not ridiculously high of course, but keep in mind they're going to come at you on the lower end of things so they are playing the same game you will be.

True. My thought was, if $40-$55K is the range and he doesn't have any experience, shooting for $50-$55K might be unreasonable. Yes, lowballing/highballing is part of the game and everyone knows it, but there's some truth to the idea that going too high can adversely affect your chances of landing the job.

Daseal, can you clarify what you meant by $40-$55K being the median salary? Does that include employees with no or tons of experience? Is that range the industry standard, or specific to this particular company? Is your school considered good in that field? Do you have other experience that qualifies you for the job. All of those factors, IMO, affect what you should ask for.

As Matty said, it's a good idea to show you've done your due diligence. If you are forced to throw out a range or a specific number, have some reasons for asking for that amount/range. IMO, a big mistake in negotiations is to demand X and have no foundation upon which that demand is based. Conversely, the best negotiators aren't the "fist pounders," but those who articulate bona fide arguments as to why their demands are reasonable.

Oh and good luck buddy!

SGG -- The range was compiled from 3 or so salary sites, and the job itself since it's a tier 1 job is for folks with 0-2 years of experience.

Below are the links I used (Can't find one again, but the data was about the same).

HotJobs.com - Salary News (http://hotjobs.salary.com/salarywizard/layoutscripts/swzl_compresult.asp?jobcode=IT10000315&jobtitle=Client+Technologies+Technician&jobtitlecomp=&narrowcode=IT04&narrowcodecomp=&narrowdesc=IT+--+Computers%2C+Hardware&zipcode=20120&metrocode=192&statecode=DC&geo=Centreville%2C+VA+20120&geocomp=&pagenumber=1&iscompare=&comparetype=&openlink=&state=Virginia&metro=Washington&city=&isgeometro=1&isforcompanalyst=1&r=hotjbs_swzresbtn_psr&p=&paycheckcalc=0&taxyear=2007&paycheckstate=Virginia&grosspay=54598&grossfreq=a&grossytd=&paypd=26&fedstatus=1&fedexemps=0&additionalfit=0&roundfed=0&statestatus=1&stateexemps=0&additionalsit=0&deductionnum=1&deductiondrop_1=401%28k%29&deductionname_1=&deductionamt_1=&deductiontype_1=3)
Free U.S./Canadian Salary Report (http://www.salaryexpert.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Free_Salary_NA.Report&DC=Yes&job=86417&zip=20120&area=&JobCategory=unknown&JobAvailabilitySourceVar=28)

Some definite sound advice here.

If the median salary is $40-55k, I'd think about the lowest amount you are willing to take as an offer, and bump it up about $5k. That'll give them some leeway, and assure that you aren't taking anything below your bottom line.

And since you are in the DC area, most firms know that they are going to have to pay top dollar to keep recruits. If the median is $40-55k, they probably already have the higher end of that scale in mind when hiring for this position.

To be comfortable, I'd budget it out your monthly expenses, and then figure out what your monthly income would be at various ranges. This will also allow you to figure out how much you can contribute to 401K, savings, etc. I wish I had contributed more when I was living at home and had the chance to...

I'll kind of echo some of the other things said here. While you want to give an idea of what you're seeking, you don't want to get pinned down. Leaving it open is key, it puts the ball in their court to offer you a salary they think you'll like. Tell them what you want and what you think you're worth by giving a range. I think as long as you say something within the $40 - $55K you found, you won't be pricing yourself out of the market.

Whatever they end up offering you, ask for 5% more. The worst they can say is no, our offer is take it or leave it.