Don't state how much you are looking for on your covering letter or CV

At this point you are potentially one of several candidates and you might be screened out on the basis of salary. Before you get an interview you are not in a strong negotiating position.

Try not to discuss pay at the first interview.

You are still potentially competing with a number of candidates. If asked, you might say something like 'As a leading firm that has a reputation for looking after its staff, I'm sure you pay the market rate'.

Negotiate from a position of strength.

The time to negotiate is when you have been offered the job. At this point you are in a strong negotiating position. The employer doesn't want to go through the recruitment process again – it costs time and money. And you probably don't, either! There is a deal to be done. Now is the time to ask for any extras.

Bear in mind what you think the employer would be prepared to pay.

Depending on the level of the position, there are probably associated salary bands which provide room for some negotiation. However, an employer is unlikely to exceed a salary band for any one individual.

Remember the old adage. If you don't ask you won't get.

And you will maximise what you'll get by demonstrating to your potential employer that you can make a significant contribution to their organisation throughout the application process.