It's okay to take notes when negotiating salary. Be sure to jot down pertinent information about the terms of employment.

At the end of the session, before you get up to leave, summarize what you understand will be included in the compensation package and show it in outline form to the employer.

Make sure you and the employer understand the terms of employment, especially the compensation package.

If you accept the position, but not before, ask the employer to put the offer in writing, which may be in the form of a letter of agreement. This document should spell out your duties and responsibilities as well as detail how you will be compensated.

If your agreement includes incentivized pay, make sure it details exactly how your commissions or bonuses will work - how and when they will be paid, set up, and measured.

For example, will you be paid at the end of each quarter or at the end of year? Do you receive a flat bonus, such as $1,000, or a percentage of the sales from an income stream?

Ask the employer to email or fax you a copy of this document for your review. Let him know you'll get back with him immediately. This document will serve as your employment contract.

You should do two other things before showing up for work:

1. Send your new employer a nice thank-you letter - never underestimate the power of a thank-you letter.
2. Send thank-you letters to those who assisted you with all phases of your job search.