How Can I Negotiate a new Salary

I'm job-hunting because I am not satisfied with my current salary, but I'm afraid that prospective employers, if they ask what salary I am on, will make me an offer based on that, rather than what I am looking to move up to. How do I handle it if they ask me what I am currently earning? And also, if they don't advertise a salary bracket, how can I bring it up, or manage the conversation so that I get an idea from them what they are offering before they ask me my expectations?! It's horrible when employers are so cagey; it makes you feel like they're trying to drive you down to the cheapest they can get you to work for!

When employers ask about your current salary, you have to be truthful, as it’s easy for them to find out from the P60. You can add on other bonuses as well, for example benefits in kind that may not appear, like a company car, or free product etc, as the true value to you, but just indicate the total includes some non-salary items.

If they don’t advertise a salary bracket, then you can check at the outset, i.e. before you send in your application, saying that you’d rather know so that you know it’s a good fit for you and you don’t waste anyone’s time. If you’re really keen on the job, however, it may not matter too much about the salary until you get to final interview. Even though you’re tempted to ask then, don’t! Wait until you have an offer and then you’re in a strong negotiating position as they want you, so you can more than likely name your price – as long as it’s reasonable.

Salaries have dropped in this market, most are down by around 15% to comparable job roles, so you can’t expect to move and earn too much more these days. Do some research on similar jobs and see what the market it at before you name your price. Good luck.