Three things:

1. working every hour of every day to be the best I could be and proving it on a daily basis.

2. Don't move job without taking a big raise. Play offers off against each other

3. Circulate amongst old fashioned corporates. It's easier to look good there as most of the staff are crap.

They simply ask what is your previous salary and offer a 5-25% increase. You skills are simply a pre-requisite, but they don't define your starting salary. Depending on your risk appetite and potential background checks one can lie and get a fairer deal (the firm is always protected since they have a notice period).