What is the best way to negotiate a salary for a new position?

What is the best way to negotiate with companies to ensure I get the best possible scenario and salary?

• I am finishing up the interview process for two positions. One is a bump up at my current company, the other is the same bump just with a new company. I expect that my current company is going to short me on salary.

• Answer:

  I would get an offer letter from the new company and use it as leverage at your current one. You obviously already know this, but you leaving your current company would mean your company losing your subject matter expertise at the position you had, and a capable person at the position you're interviewing for. They would have to train two new people instead of one.. and you could have effectively trained your replacement anyway.. But also consider this.. it would take you time to get settled in your new company and start from scratch to garner respect. You obviously have it here, otherwise you wouldn't be promoted. I'd probably be happy if my current company matches (if not surpasses) the offer the new company is making.