Folks, I don't go on many interviews so please indulge me here.

I am going to a job interview next week for a permanent position (my current position is fixed term), the job description for the new job gave quite a broad salary range. When is the best time to mention I'd rather be towards the top of that range rather than the bottom? Is it at interview, after they offer me the job, something else?

If it's a broad range then they'll normally ask you what sort of starting salary you see yourself getting.
If not, then use the question section at the end of the interview.

Mark

In the interview. A decent interviewer will give you a spot to discuss 'any other business' and you should probably broach the subject then - although I'd start from a conciliatory point rather than 'I currently earn $this, if you don't give me the same you're just wasting my time'. For christ's sake don't wait until after the offer you the job, you'll look like a you're taking the etc...

OK at the interview it is then, any advice on how to approach the subject/word it? On the one hand I want to convince them I'm worth it by demonstrating my experience etc (and they should already know my current pay grade since they asked for it during the application process), but on the other hand I don't want to come across as an arrogant twat who's just trying to screw them for more money etc.

Maybe if I ask them a neutral question about the role before moving on to the subject of money?

Call it renumeration. Sounds less greedy than pay or salary. As above, if they don't say anything about it, ASK!

Ask about the remuneration package, don't just concetrate on salary.

Parking spaces, medical insurance / BUPA, memberships of trade bodies etc. All these can add value to the deal you are trying to do if they offer you the position. The other thing to think about if the starting grade is low, is to agree a planned %age increase each year. This shows both a willingness to compromise and a degree of comitment for the long term.

Strangely, pay has never come up at any of my interviews. But then there never was variable pay for the jobs I was going for, the pay was fixed.

The key point to remember in ANY negotiation is that the person who cares least (or is perceived that way) has the most power.

Really think about that....

The advice here is sound about during the interview. However, if you're prepared to walk away and not take the job, you have more negotiating power IF they decide that they want you. So I would look to impress at the interview - mention the salary range where appropriate and then when the offer actually comes - push it (within reason obviously).

Also if you get the job make sure anything to do with money, holidays etc is put in the written offer letter.

+1. The job I've got now was going to be paid at the low end of the average salary. By negotiating, they'll pay indemnity and for any courses I go on. That's the equivalent of the midrange of the average salary.

I think in some ways this is true. Certainly for me, I was very laid back about the job offer (happy they've offered) and it meant the bosses were doing the pushing and trying to make it more attractive for me. Hell, I went from 3/4 part-time to full-time.

For my last job (which is this one I am in) I didn't mention money except to say I was looking for a salary consumate with my experience. when they offered the job I then negotiated a salary just below 1/2 way up the scale but got them to agree that once I had done my 6 months probation that I would get a minimum of a 10% pay rise

This I think showed them that I was willing to accept a slightly lower starting figure but that I had faith in my abilities and that they would see this and so want to reward me