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

What's the best way to negotiate salary when offered a position?

• Ok I may be getting a wee bit ahead of myself but I will be interviewing for this position and am wondering if I land this job how can I go about negotiating the salary. If you look at the job description which I posted you will see the salary range. Now here's a background on me, I just moved to Texas 6 months ago prior to that I worked for the State of NJ in Child Support Enforcement for 7 years (I have a BA in Social Work and Criminal Justice).I have received numerous accolades for my enforcement work with NJ and have stellar reviews and recommendations from my past supervisors. I am confident that once I get acclimated with Texas rules and regulations in child support, I will be a stellar performer for them as well. Problem is I just don't think I should start at the bottom, I mean if I have to I will of course but, I think it's worth a shot to at least try to start off in between. I left NJ making 1200 more per month than the top salary for this position so I am already taking a pay cut as it is. Shouldn't I at least try for somewhere in the middle? I am definitely worth it. How do I convey that to this new employer? Thanks in advance.

• Answer:

  First you have to know what the salary ranges are for the job in your area. Go to salary.com, enter job and zip code. It will give you salary range for position in that zip code area. As you stated, you have experience so most likely you should ask for medium salary. Quote salary.com when talking to interviewer. Good Luck.