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We’d all like to be paid more for the work we do, but no matter the preparation and care we invest in our jobs – not to mention the time – we’re often unprepared for the challenge of asking for an increase in compensation.

Since the tooth fairy and similar mythical monetary creatures seemed to have hit the road long ago, it’s time to take the bull by the horns and get a grip on the skill that is salary negotiations with these eight tips from CorpNet.com’s CEO, Nellie Akalp at Mashable.

If it helps, though, feel free to picture your boss as the tooth fairy if it makes things easier.

1. Negotiate Your Salary From the Start

The majority of new graduates entering the workforce don’t negotiate their salaries. According to a study, 57% of men entering the workforce negotiate their salaries, while only 7% of women do the same. Forget about the gender divide for a moment — a shockingly low number of men and women negotiate their first salaries. And that can have a significant impact on future salaries down the road.

For any new graduates, be thankful you have a job offer in this economy. However, also recognize that employers expect people to negotiate and, therefore, typically offer less than they’re actually prepared to pay. Don’t wait until you’ve been on the job for one year; negotiate your first job offer. There’s no harm in asking.

2. Come Prepared

Well before you enter the negotiating room, you need to research your market value. Use salary survey tools like Glassdoor, Salary.com and PayScale to identify what other people in similar jobs and geographic areas earn. In addition, consult your own network for honest opinions on current industry salary figures.

Full story at Mashable.

Time to negotiate.

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