How to Earn More Money at a New Job

They accept lower salaries than they could have gotten.

That is an absolute crying shame. After all, isn't the point of working to get paid? And to get paid as much as you can be paid for your job?

But it's worse than a shame. It's also a little depressing when coworkers talk about their income (which is bad form, but that's a subject for a completely different piece all together). Invariably, one will be paid more than the other for doing the same exact function - and it's usually because one employee was better at negotiating than the other during the interview process.

Enter envy.

But you can get paid more - in some cases $10,000 or more - than what you are initially offered. Learn negotiation, earn remuneration. Here's a few ways to boost your income during the negotiation stage:

Ask for it. Don't be shy. You would be surprised by what you can get simply by asking for it. If you feel a little queasy when talking money, you will want to get over it. Just as interviews are no place to be shy about tooting your own horn a little, the negotiation process is no place to be shy about talking money. Remember: the meek may inherit the earth, but they'll be paid less than they're worth until then.

Poker face. Don't let your face give your emotions away. If their offer is too low, don't change your face. You may feel disgusted by the offer, but it's best not to let it show. Likewise, if the offer is more than what you were expecting, maintain your facial expression - you'll probably be able to get even more. Keep your face normal and relaxed. The best way to get the hang of this? You guessed it: practice.

Second and third offers. When the hiring manager makes an offer, your job is to counter it. S/he will likely either give a second, higher offer - or show you the door. If it's the former, then, depending on your level of courage, you can restate your original counter. Again, s/he will either give you the boot or make a higher third offer. If you get a higher offer, take it - you've increased your salary about as much as you'll be able to.

IN A NUTSHELL: To increase your salary by up to $10,000, ask for it, don't let your face give you away, and force a third counter offer.