Here's How to Negotiate a Higher Salary

Negotiating a raise or a higher starting salary is undoubtedly a delicate task. The employee always wants more money and employers are typically reluctant to grant raises in an effort to keep costs down. Navigating this dynamic requires some planning and careful strategy.

Salary.com found that only 37% of respondents in a recent survey negotiate for a higher salary when mulling over job offers. Cast aside your fears and stop leaving money on the table.

In fact, failing to negotiate can be perceived as a weakness. Employers expect potential employees to ask for a higher salaries. And especially in jobs that center around negotiation and dealing with clients, simply accepting an employer's initial offer without any negotiation doesn't reflect a persistent and headstrong attitude on your end.

While your negotiations may not go as planned, here are seven ways to give yourself an edge when it comes to asking for a higher salary.

Scott is the author of MORE MONEY, PLEASE: The Financial Secrets You Never Learned in School (Plume/Penguin).