Decide what types of benefits are important to you. A compensation package might include: flexible work schedule, option to work at home, relocation expenses, pension and insurance plans, company car, holidays, stock options, profit-sharing, training opportunities, etc. By evaluating these beforehand, you can concentrate on bargaining in negotiation process.

It is important to know your market value. You can do this by consulting professional associations, job advertisements, business and trade periodicals, employment agencies, executive search companies, career-related websites, and on-line salary surveys.

Since salaries often vary according to location, you should research comparable positions at similar companies in your geographical area. Investigate your prospective employer’s track record for making offers.

To strengthen your negotiating position, try to ascertain how urgently company needs to fill post. It also helps if you have another offer to consider.

When completing application forms, say that your salary requirements are "negotiable" or "competitive." Don’t state a specific figure on your resume.

Don't be first to mention salary during job interview. Let employer introduce salary first. If interviewer insists on a specific figure, ask for details of company’s customary salary range for that type of position. Stress that you are confident you will be able to arrive at a mutually agreeable sum.

When preparing your answers, consider what each question is designed to find out about candidate's suitability for position on offer.

1. Why are you leaving your current job?

The employer is seeking to identify problems you have had in past that you may carry over into your new job. Always cite positive reasons for joining and leaving a company. Never criticize your previous employer or work colleagues. Avoid statements that may convey a negative impression of yourself or your ability to get on with others. State that you are looking for a new challenge and briefly explain why you see advertised position as an important step forward in your career.

2. Why should we employ you rather than one of other candidates?

The interviewer wants to know what unique quality makes you best person for job. To differentiate yourself from other candidates, you must show that you have researched company thoroughly and studied job description. You should be prepared to demonstrate clearly how your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments match employer's specific needs. It is important to convey genuine enthusiasm for post.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This particularly tricky question requires painstaking preparation and rehearsal. The interviewer is looking for evidence of critical self-assessment and a commitment to continuous self-development. Stress specific job-related strengths and accomplishments. Select one weakness that could be viewed both as positive and negative, e.g. you are a perfectionist who tends to work too long hours. Show, by particular example, how you have successfully addressed this tendency. Make sure to portray yourself in a positive light. Never mention a weakness that is directly related to job for which you are being interviewed.

4. Tell me about yourself.