Negotiating for Salary

[dee-u]

When you are being interviewed one question which is usually asked is "How much is your expected pay? (something like that)".... How do you handle such questions?

[Hack]

I usually give them a number. Just make one up.

I have learned that if they are actually interested in you, they will say something like, "Well, we really were looking at more like [they will give you a number]"

From there you can start talking.

[mendhak]

Find out what the average pay is in your area, for a person with your amount of experience. Ask friends, people in your area... then just quote that. Or more if you feel you're worth it.

[Hack]

I don't know about your area, but job ads around here usually come with a salary range stipulated in the job ad.

That is always a good "rule of thumb" guidline in terms of what to expect, and what not go exceed when asked if you really want the job.

[deranged]

I always put "Negotiable" It works the best.

That way you don't put too much and the employer would lose interest saying you are asking too much, and you also don't put a number smaller than he would've been okay with, thus kinda screwing yourself.

[Samurai Danny]

http://seeker.dice.com/profman/salaryWizard.jsp

That site will give a good idea what to expect for a salary.
Of course this depends on what your capable of and your experience but it will a general idea as what to ask.

A good rule of thumb is to ask for above the Median. As Hack said if they are really interested in you they will counter.