"Currently, I earn a base salary of 45,000 per year plus a potential 20% annual bonus. Last year my earnings were 52,000, and I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

"I am currently making 100,000 per year with two different bonus opportunities. As I consider new opportunities, I would fully consider the entire offer package that includes both salary and benefits packages. I am looking for compensation that is aligned with the role and provides an opportunity for growth into the future."

If you want the job, don't be too eager to accept a low offer. Likewise, don't throw out an unrealistic number. Doing so could be viewed as disrespectful of the time and energy they've spent interviewing you.

It's never a good idea for the person being interviewed to bring up pay too early on. But once the interviewer addresses it, it's fair game. A good question to ask, when quantifying your number, is how frequently pay increases occur, and how pay structure works. You can also then ask, to ensure you are coming up with a fair number, what other benefits are offered with the position. Health benefits cost an employer money and should be considered when coming up with your number, as well as any incentives, bonuses, or other perks.