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boss from a job you left under good circumstances are good choices.
    Do not give out references’ names and contact information without talking to them first. Actually, you should contact potential references at the beginning of your job search and debrief each one on the types of opportunities you’re looking for. If they agree to be references, speak to them again immediately after you’ve given their names to an employer. Let them know that the employer is going to call, and make sure to give them as many specifics about the position as you can. Is there an aspect of your personality, background, or experience that your references should emphasize in order to better your chances? If so, be sure to tell them. Providing your references with the key points you want them to mention will make it easier for them to help you.
    Follow up with your references to determine if the employer called them. If they were called, get the rundown on the conversations, and then send each reference a thank-you note. If they weren’t, don’t freak out. I’ve heard of employers who ask for references just to make sure you have them—they have no intention of actually speaking with anyone. At any rate, send your references thank-you notes whether they were called or not. You never know when you might need them again.
    One last point: It’s not necessary to put “References Available Upon Request” on the bottom of your resume. Believe me, if an employer needs references in order to hire you, she’ll ask for them.
Negotiation Prowess
    The key to a successful salary negotiation is to avoid getting screwed, and to come out smelling like a rose in the process. You also want to make sure you get the most money possible up front, because once you are inside a company, salary increases are few and far between. In order to make this happen, you need to plan ahead. Before you go on an interview, you should have a good idea of what you—and the target job—are worth. If you’ve just graduated from college, you might not have much choice but to accept whatever entry-level salary the firm pays. If you’re scouting for a new job, however, you should check Internet salary sites ( salary.com , payscale.com , and so on) to see how much you can command given your level of expertise, your geographic location, and your years of experience. Next, call the target company’s human resources department to find out the salary range of the available position. Finally, David Gordon, Director of Internship Studies at Columbia College of Chicago, suggests a few questions to ask yourself prior to discussing your salary with a prospective employer:
    Are my personal salary requirements in line with the company’s range for this position? If not, is there a chance to get more money?
    What is the lowest salary I will consider?
    What makes me worth more than what they are offering?
    Gordon also notes that you should prepare for objections to your request for more money, including (1) you don’t have enough experience, (2) other employees at your level aren’t making that much, (3) the budget won’t permit it, and (4) that’s what they are paying new hires. Think about how you would respond to these objections in a way that continues the discussion on a positive note. Prepare to phrase your comments in the form of questions, keeping in mind that the end goal is to reach an agreement with which both parties are happy.
    As I mentioned before, try not to be the first one to mention money in the interview, and avoid giving your salary range, if possible. When the interviewer asks you about your salary, keep your response vague, or ask what the company has budgeted for the position. If you must reveal what you’re currently making, inflate the number slightly to account for bonuses, perks, or if you’re due for a raise shortly. You should never lie outright about your salary, though, as this can