Let the salary issue be discussed at the end of the interview process. If you are there at the interview through a recruiter, you better tell the potential employer to discuss the issue with your recruiter. That is the best way of handling the salary issue.
If you are not working through a recruiter, don't let the employer know that you are settling for a market competitive salary. Better stay away from negotiating your compensation specifics in initial interviews.
Honesty and accuracy: If you are a senior executive with complex stock options, better write down clearly all elements of your remuneration packages over the last few years so that you are giving out a true picture. Very often compensation specifics change as you go through the interview process.
Holistic approach: Many candidates focus only on the basic salary as the sole factor either to accept or reject an offer. Remember, besides the basic salary, there are many elements like benefits -- both long-term and short- term --, career growth, job satisfaction, work environs, company vision and philosophy, and the company's reputation in the market. Many of these things can't be quantified, but they can ultimately make or break the career of a candidate.
Career goals: Many a candidate believes that he should get a huge salary raise just because he is shifting to another level. That may be true in some cases, but not in all. The ground reality is that a new opening doesn't necessarily bring you a fortune. Your priority should not be money. You should see whether the role suits you or not. You should concentrate on your career goals, not on the money factor. At the end of the day you may be offered a reasonable compensation package on the basis of your skills and experience.
Timing is important: Remember you can always say 'no 'to an offer. So don't hide your present or the past salary. Giving a true picture right from the beginning sets the tone for a cordial relationship with the hiring manager and recruiter. Tell your recruiter what all you are getting, including bonuses, stock-option vesting or related compensation details. Timing is crucial in any case. The hiring manger will surely appreciate your honesty and helps you get a competitive compensation. Giving hidden details of the compensation after the offer is made doesn't lead to a beneficial employer- employee relationship.
