You have finally been offered the job that you want. The only problem is the salary isn't quite what you were expecting and there is no company car allowance.

You can almost be sure that the prospective employer has left some margin for negotiation within the whole package. You have to be very careful at this stage - if you ask for too much you might be seen as money driven or your prospective employer may have greater performance expectations. On the other hand, settling for less could be seen as weak and indicate lack of confidence.

Make sure that you get it right!

DO
	Always keep in mind what you are setting out to achieve - what made you start looking for another job? Does this job fit your plan?
	Work out what you need in terms of salary to make the job worthwhile or even affordable. Keep in mind the other costs that may be involved when changing your job, for example moving house, commuting, loss of healthcare, company pension etc?
	When asked about your current salary, make sure that your calculation includes all benefits, bonuses and imminent pay rises.
	If you have to move house to take the job, ask if there is any money for relocation, even if it has not been mentioned.
	Remember to get your prospective employer to honour booked holidays.
	Have your preferences ready if you need to negotiate on benefits - for example, you may prefer a car allowance to a company car or you might have an existing private pension, so instead of taking on the company pension have the company contribute to your existing pension.
	When you resign from your current employer try to be as flexible as possible - you might need them again one day.
	When you resign from your current employer try to be as flexible as possible, you might need them again one day.
	Take the first job that you are offered if it's the right one for you. Many people turn down their first job offer and end up with nothing at all.

DON'T
	Resign until you have an offer you can accept in writing
	Forget that your job offer will still be dependent on good references - usually from your current boss.
	Lie about your current salary. It's a dismissible offence and your employer will know what you have earned in the past from your P45.

If you have any doubts about the job - don't take it. It's not good if you feel that taking the job is your only option - you will probably leave and be searching again in a very short period of time.