This rule is easier said than done, certainly. Many employers want to know how your joining the organization will affect the company s cash flow, so they ll try to get to the subject as soon as possible. If employers request a salary requirement when they advertise the position or in a preliminary interview, an appropriate response would be that you would like to know more about the position and responsibilities before you would feel comfortable naming a figure. When the timing is right, you ideally want to maneuver the interviewer into naming a figure. However, some potential employers will insist on knowing how much you expect to be paid.
Location affects pay rates.
Know in advance the probable salary range for similar jobs in similar areas. Before you can effectively negotiate pay, you need to know the typical rate for similar jobs in your area. Be aware that local pay rates may be very different from national ones. You can determine this figure by talking to people who hold similar positions, reading want ads in the paper or seeking advice from your local employment service office. Internet employment sites and the library should also prove to be valuable reference tools.