Whether you're negotiating a salary or benefits, there are some basic negotiating skills every recruiter and job seeker can use. Let's take a look at some of the most important negotiating skills:

1.    Before approaching the negotiating table, ask yourself, "What is the lowest amount I'm willing to take?"  In other words at what point is the deal no longer worth it.  Remember, decide what your "lowest amount" is before you arrive at the negotiating table.

2.    Face the power dynamics.  Who has the most power at the negotiating table?  If you're a recruiter, do you really need to close this deal or do you have plenty of placements on the table?  If you're a candidate, have you been looking for work for months with only a few interviews or do you have several offers from employers? If you find that you have the most power don't be afraid to drive a hard bargain; but if you have the least power you may want to negotiate cautiously.

3.    Start negotiating from the high-end.  In other words give the other party an offer that you can justify, but is significantly higher than your lowest offer.  Don't be afraid to be bold, just remember you must be able to justify your high-end offer.

4.    Be willing to walk away.  Negotiation can only be successful if you're willing to walk away especially if the other party doesn't at least give agree to your lowest offer.