To prepare for "that" question before the interview, Peters suggests doing some homework. "Most big recruitment companies do research on salary data, and they're quite easy to access online."
Robert Walters has an app that displays such data. Click here to download the app.
To know what you're worth, it's also important to know what's going on in the economy in general, Peters says.
Robert Walters' Hiring Intentions Survey of more than 200 New Zealand employers was launched recently.
The headlines are: 42 per cent of employers are planning to increase headcount over the next six months, up from 30 per cent this time last year; 48 per cent expect the headcount to remain stable, with only one in 10 expecting to downsize; 61 per cent are focusing on permanent hiring, up from 48 per cent in 2014, and 51 per cent are expecting to give staff a pay rise this year.
Tony Pownall, general manager, Hudson Auckland, says there's a formula for gauging your worth.
"The first thing to do is partner with a recruitment consultant who you're sure is a specialist in your function or field. Ask them to help you determine your market rate."
Pownall says other resources to consider include salary guides and online salary calculators.
Peters says the economy is looking strong at the moment and there's a return of talent-short markets.
He says companies are trying hard to retain their workers, and it's not unusual for people who are looking to move to receive counter offers from their existing employee.
Pownall says if you're going through a recruiter that person will negotiate your salary with the employer on your behalf.
"So it's important to be open and honest with the recruiter about your salary expectations. Being cagey or vague with someone like me won't help you; I need to know exactly where you stand so that I can negotiate best for you.
"By not letting me into your world and letting me know what you really want it's harder for me to get you the best deal ...
"A skilled recruiter talks early and often about money. I speak about money probably four or five times through the process. People change their minds, get counter offers, new information; it's important to keep ensuring everyone's in the same ballpark and the final result is not a surprise.
He says it's okay to make a counter offer.
"When you're in final negotiations the employer will make you an offer, and this is your opportunity to reply with a counter offer.
"People are often afraid to do this, but you have to remember that by the time the employer offers the job they really want you and employers often have a range of 5 or 10 per cent extra in salary that they can move on," says Pownall.
"But there's one caveat here: whatever you choose to go back on, go back only once.
"Once shows your courage and self-belief; twice and the employer may start to think you're either greedy or that they're getting played."
Pownall says market dynamics definitely have an effect.
"Things can change quickly."
Peters says where there is a skills shortage in one area now, there may not be one in that area in a month.
It's also about what extra you can offer in a given role.
Pownall says: "The larger impact we see from market dynamics is around evolving roles, particularly in relation to technology. Take data analysts for example.
"The role in its current form didn't really exist 10 years ago and while more people are now entering that function there is a big gap between those who are technically strong and those who also bring competencies such as curiosity, critical thinking and communication skills.
"Right now those who can demonstrate desirable skills combined with behaviours are demanding a significant premium in salary.
"For all individuals, there is an opportunity to think about how market dynamics relate to you. Consider the aspects of your job function or skillset that are most in demand right now and make sure you play that experience up in your CV.
"It's important that employers can easily see you're current and keeping up with trends.
"Don't make people go looking for that part in your role that's in highest demand; make it your headline."
