Before you start talking pay with a prospective employer, you need to find out how much you are worth. You will need to take the time to research salaries, so, you are prepared to negotiate what you're worth and a job offer that's realistic and reasonable. I can’t stress enough to be patient, be patient, be very patient. Don’t settle on a job just because you need one, and you have some of the skills they are looking for. Find a job, company, people, etc that you feel comfortable with. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
Once you do find that position that feels like the right fit, it’s time to negotiate your salary.
Once you have an idea of what you think you should be earning, how do you go about getting it? Start by being, again, very patient. When interviewing for a new position, do your best not to bring up compensation until the employer makes you an offer. If you're asked what your salary requirements are, just say that you are willing to talk about it once there is an offer on the table. Or tell the employer you'd like to know more about the responsibilities and the challenges of the job, as well as benefits, prior to discussing the salary.
Another option is to give the employer a salary range based upon the salary research you've done in your area up front, or what you have been paid for an equivalent position in the past. Never give them an exact dollar amount, and always leave it open ended. If you do give a range, try not to start with a number that is too low, or a number that is ridiculously high. If you were paid say $10/hr in the past for an equivalent position, then say $10-$15. Chances are they will offer the minimum, which will give you a base to start from. Once you've received the offer you don't need to accept (or reject) it right away. A simple "I need to think it over" can help get you an increase in the original offer.
If you are unsure about the position a "no" can bring you a better offer too. Be careful though, if you do definitely need that new job there's a risk that the employer may accept you declining the position and move on to the next candidate.
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