These points may help:
Approach your employer in a friendly and straightforward way. Be prepared to give and take.
It may be easier to negotiate a regular six monthly or annual pay rise, rather than a substantial one off pay rise. You could perhaps negotiate an inflation pay rise or include additional benefits in the discussion, such as, extra leave, payment of travel costs, a shift allowance, finance for further training or payment of professional fees.
Be confident and do not underestimate your value.
Make sure any agreement reached is put in writing.
If it is a new post with a new employer:
Do not discuss or negotiate salary or other benefits until you have been offered the post.
Be careful to convey the attitude that the job is more important than the money.
Remember that the offer should be based on your current worth, not simply on what you were paid before.
The negotiation process:
Decide on your minimum acceptable salary but do not reveal it to the employer.
Try to get the employer to volunteer salary information first. If they offer a salary range, choose a figure at the higher end or even slightly above it. If you are offered a specific figure, it is possible that this represents a mid point figure and there may still be room for negotiation.
The employer will encourage you to name a figure. Be as non-specific as possible. If asked to name a figure on an application form, leave it blank or indicate that this is negotiable.
When discussing pay, make use of more general statements, such as “I would consider a reasonable offer, which reflected the responsibilities of the post.”
Ask the employer what they feel the job is worth, as they are in a better position to judge.
If you are asked about your present salary, indicate that you feel that this figure is not appropriate to the application.
Do not lie about your past salary history. When it is necessary to provide a salary figure, state a range rather than an exact sum and indicate that you are willing to negotiate.
Do not price yourself out of the market, or the employer may decide to offer the post to the second choice candidate.
If you are unable to agree a mutual figure, you must decide whether you would be happy with the post at the lower than hoped for salary. You will need to consider if there will be a further chance of negotiation once you have proved your worth in the job and how easy it will be for you to find a similar post.
If the negotiation is successful, have the terms and conditions confirmed in writing, before resigning your present post.