Everybody likes getting paid. But getting paid more-now we're talking. There are tricks to upping those numbers during those initial salary negotiations. This is a critical time to work towards getting paid what you're worth because if you come in on a low pay scale, you'll be surviving on top ramen and mac and cheese until you finally squeeze out enough raises to get where you should have started. Lay the foundation now, get the squeeze on them, and we know you'll be a much more productive worker.

1. Patience, Patience, Patience - Sell Yourself First Try to avoid stating your salary expectations on your cover letter. It will give the impression that you are only after money. Just like any business deal, revealing your expectations too soon can possibly make you lose on talking numbers.

To an employer you are a potential investment. You are selling yourself to them, but like any good salesman, if you start talking prices before demonstrating value, you're fighting a losing battle. Steer the questions and get away from dialogue that forces this conversation. Know what you will say in these situations ahead of time to be more prepared.

2. Know Your Going Rate Before an interview, you should research the standard pay for your position, the value of your talents and what can be expected for this type of job. In addition, knowing what you're talking about will give you more credibility in the interviews and they will most probably consider you for the job.

3. Write up a Contract Did you really just land your dream job, or did you trade your soul to the devil? Your employer can fuss all day about how the pay is only this little for the first few months or how every Saturday employees get free massages in the conference room, but if you don't scratch that down on paper and they don't stick with it, you're shit out of luck. Written word is a solid way to ensure you have the same expectations.

4. Know Your Breaking Point There comes a point where you just have to stand up, walk out the door while flipping them the bird (okay, don't do that), and find the next dream career. Know beforehand at what point this will be. This gives you a mental edge. You know you don't have to take the job, and you've already decided on a number that will make or break you. Good. They'll note your confidence. It will work in your favor.

5. Don't Burn Your Bridges and Set Your Sails Just Yet Even if you've been offered that job you always wanted, don't call up everyone you've ever spoken to and tell them about your glorious future or post on Facebook bashing every other company you applied to. Calm your ass down. Declaring your success to everyone will put you in a psychological state of obligation. When you go through the salary negotiations and they start playing tough guy tatics to talk you out of a paycheck, you will most probably accept an insulting offer because you are now worried about what everyone else will think.

The last thing you want to do is call everyone and inform them what a silly bastard you are for jumping the gun, and before you know it you will be mopping up floors for next to nothing to tell your mom how successful you are. Keep your mouth shut until you've signed the contract. No one needs to know just yet. And keep in good touch with your other prospects as well in case things don't get well.

6. Talk Their Language Don't discuss your salary and obligations from an employee point of view. You want to get on their level. People associate more with people who think like they do, and you don't want everyone thinking your salary is your only goal. Sure, make it clear you know what you are worth, but do so by neutrally discussing your strengths as an addition to their team. Sell your strengths as an investment, because to them that is exactly what you are.

7. Get Creative With Fringe Benefits Get a clear understanding of what comes with the position. If you know all the benefits and you can't agree on price, cutting something else just might get your boss to budge. Instead of refusing to budge on your salary expectations, consider asking for more vacation time. Cut some of those fringe benefits you don't need to get them to accept your salary.

8. To see is to believe-Be a Constant Presence Keep in touch with a potential employer over time, and keep coming back to check. As long as rapport is great, the more often they see and talk with you, the more you interact and the more they have invested time with you the more they will see you as a significant part of their world. As with anything, moderation is key. Don't be a stalker or a pest, but make your positive presence known.

Salary negotiations are no place to slack. No one benefits from low pay, not even the guy cutting the check. Because an employee who feels properly rewarded cares about their job, cares about results, and cares about making the effort. Don't sell yourself short, and you'll have that long-term endurance to be the employee they want and need.