In an earlier generation, job seekers were often counseled never to bring up salary issues during the interview process. The line of reasoning went something like this: if you ask about money, employers will assume you’re dedicating yourself to this enterprise not because you’re eager to please, but because you’re driven by crass, selfish motivations like the desire for food and shelter. Employers will assume that your interest in salary is impertinent, ungrateful, and unbecoming. Like the residents of a Dickensian orphanage, you should be thankful that you’re being paid at all, and never risk your employer’s disapproval by asking for more.

If you really do feel this way for some reason, and it’s your goal to work for an employer who views your relationship in this light, then by all means, keep your mouth shut and you’ll get what you want. But for most of us, this is complete nonsense. In order to keep your career on track, get what you need, and gain a minimum level of satisfaction from your working life, you’ll need to advocate for yourself and not expect anyone else to do it for you—especially the employer across the table. Take control of the salary conversation, and if at all possible, do so before you receive a formal offer. Follow these guidelines.

1. Don’t share your previous salary. At all. If your employers insist that you provide this information in order to stay in the running, feel free to provide any answer you like. This is one of the few situations during your job search in which honesty is not the best policy. Your employers have no right to ask for your salary history and you have no ethical or legal obligation to comply with this request. When asked for your previous salary, simply provide a preferred salary range instead.

2. But do some research first. Make sure the range you provide reflects the market value of your talents and contributions, and begin shaping your answer with an internet search of average salaries for this position, at this level, in this and other industries, in this geographic area.

3. There’s no need to state your salary range upfront in your resume or cover letter (though doing this can actually help both you and your potential employers by allowing each of you to self-select.) If you lay your cards on the table immediately, you’ll end a pointless negotiation before it starts, but you may also sell yourself short if the employer could easily go higher. Ideally, wait until the midpoint of your second-round interview. And encourage the employer to provide a number before you do.

For more job search and salary negotiation tips that can help keep your compensation levels in line with what you need and deserve, reach out to the Texas staffing and employment pros at Expert.