Here are a few tips on how to negotiate salary the right way:

1. Talk about the salary when pursuing a new job. It is best to ask about a raise when you are in the process of switching jobs. Employers usually expect potential employees to ask about salary during an informational interview.

If you made it past the final interview and accepted the job without negotiating your salary, you can still potentially earn more money by bringing up your pay during your annual job review, or when your job duties change. How this can go, of course, all depends on the company you work for and how long you have been working for them. (Don’t ever use another job offer just to boost your wages.)

2. Wait for the employer to make the first move. It’s normal for the company to bring up salary first during the interview. But if the hiring manager forgets to do so, you may want to open up the topic to help you weigh things before accepting the offer. Feel free to bring up your current salary as a basis to boost your salary offer. Try focusing on the wage range rather than stating a specific amount. (This is also applicable if the employer asks for your salary history.)

3. Don’t forget about the employee benefits. You can also negotiate non-salary forms of compensation. There is a chance that the company may pay you less, but there may be lots of benefits, including child care expenses, moving expenses, etc.

If you’re serious about a salary increase, practice how you’ll handle the negotiations. Keep the salary range as your focus. Good luck!