Congrats! You just snagged your dream job and the boss man’s asked you in to finalize the details of your contract. You’re in heaven, right? Wrong. If you’re like most people, you’re nervous about having to discuss that dreaded topic – salary.

When it comes to asking for and getting the salary you deserve, the most common things people worry are seeming unreasonable and greedy or, worse, losing the job to someone who’s willing to work for less. Don’t sell yourself short. Besides the fact you should be earning enough to cover your basic expenses, you’ve worked hard to get where you are. If you know you can do the job well, take this opportunity to show off your skills and suitability, as well as your ambition, determination and professionalism. Our handy checklist will help you do just that.

Ensure you’re Numero Uno. Don’t throw out a figure until you’re sure you’re the number-one candidate for the job. Interviews are an opportunity to demonstrate your value to the employer, and having a salary discussion too early can distract you both from learning about each other.

Don’t mention a figure first. If the discussion turns to salary, try and get the employer to mention a figure first. If she asks, “What salary do you expect?” you can say something like, “You probably have a figure in mind that fits the responsibilities and requirements of the job. I’d be interested to know what it is.”

Do your homework. Discover what people in your field earn. Contact current employees or check out online salary calculators, Web sites, directories of professional associations, government reports and industry-specific trade magazines.

Know your bottom line. What’s the minimum salary you’re willing to accept? Before investing too much time and energy on landing the job, figure out if your needs will or won’t be met by the salary that’s being offered.

Don’t forget the benefits. A salary negotiation isn’t over until you’ve discussed benefits (holidays, insurance, pension, etc.). Figure out what you need in medical and dental plans, sick leave and vacation time ahead of time, and make sure you discuss the company policy on future raises. Make sure you get all these details in writing (either in a letter of agreement or an employment contract).

Justify your “reasons.” In order to prove you can carry your weight in a negotiation, you’ll have to justify your position based on evidence you’ve gathered about the salary you feel you should receive. Use your resume to point out the value and benefits you brought to previous employers.

Always be willing to walk away. It’s easy to convince yourself to take a job when it’s offered to you. But truthfully, there are many other opportunities out there to be had. If you have the skills and confidence, it will only be a matter of time before you receive another offer. If you feel pressured to accept a salary that won’t cover your expenses and doesn’t reflect your skill level, it’s completely OK to politely decline.

Don’t revisit agreed-upon points. Revisiting points you’ve already agreed to will make it seem like you’re not able to stick to your word. Similarly, if the employer insists on revisiting points she’s agreed to, it suggests her negotiation has been less than sincere.

Sleep on it! At the end of the negotiation you may feel pressured to commit. Take a day or two to consider your options and make a decision you’re comfortable with.