Once you have made your presence felt at the interview, it's time to think about negotiating your salary. Though negotiating your compensation may not be a deciding factor in the choice of your career and work, it definitely is a predominant factor in finalizing your job.

Communicating your expectations effectively to prospective employers is the key to achieve the best possible salary. Being positive and tactful goes a long way. After all, you need to ensure that you get the salary that you are entitled to.

It is essential not to be misled by the myths and misconceptions with respect to salary negotiation. Concentrating on the facts and looking past the myths is definitely the best way to get the best results.

Below are some myths that you must overcome to win at the bargaining table.

Salaries are Usually Predetermined and Fixed

This is the most common misconception that many employees follow.

Employers are usually given a salary range to offer. Effective communication to the interviewer of your skills to the company can definitely get you a better offer.

If the salary is fixed, you can still increase your income by bargaining for bonuses or perks to enhance your overall package.

A Low Current Salary Will Attract Less Salary

Even though you may have had a low salary at your past or current job, there is no rule that says that you cannot negotiate for a higher salary.

You can let your prospective employer know that you have enhanced your talents and skills so that these can be taken into consideration. This will increase your value to the team, and your salary will be set accordingly.

Interviewers Don't Like to Negotiate Salaries

A completely wrong notion that most candidates have about employers is that if they engage in salary negotiations, the employer will not hire them and give the job to someone else.

Most interviewers will appreciate a candidate who will stand up for what they feel they deserve to be paid. Most employers will make exceptions if they feel that you are the most suitable candidate and will not accept the offer in its current status.

In fact, sometimes the strategy of not asking for an increase may lower your chances of getting the job, as it may make you appear less valuable to the organization.

Your First Job Will Not Pay Much

This is a myth. As most of your increments in the future will depend on the percentage of your current salary, do not jump on the first offer that comes along. Take time to think over and negotiate the salary and other details before joining the company.

There is always the possibility that your salary can be enhanced through negotiation. Adequate knowledge and preparation are the most crucial myth-busting factors that help in getting the salary that you deserve.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.