Salary requirements

[oceanchild]

Anyone have any advice as to how to answer this question? The announcement says to include it, so I don't want to look like I can't follow directions. I'm pretty sure this is going to be a low-paying position, and I'm ok with that, but I don't want to say some paltry number, which would pretty much guarantee a paltry offer. At the same time, I don't want to have my application tossed aside for shooting too high.

I feel like I shouldn't have to discuss this at this point. Let's talk salary if you actually want to hire me.

Thoughts?

[poky]

Ugh. That annoys me. I'm still second-guessing myself about the salary I'm making now, because it was based on what I told them I was making where I was before.

Most employers say that salary depends on experience, right? I'd be tempted to be snarky and say that your salary requirements depend on the benefits included.

[radwife]

Is it asked on an application? If so, I've written down negotiable. I never felt comfortable with a number.

[GrayMatterWife]

Anyone have any advice as to how to answer this question? The announcement says to include it, so I don't want to look like I can't follow directions. I'm pretty sure this is going to be a low-paying position, and I'm ok with that, but I don't want to say some paltry number, which would pretty much guarantee a paltry offer. At the same time, I don't want to have my application tossed aside for shooting too high.

I feel like I shouldn't have to discuss this at this point. Let's talk salary if you actually want to hire me.

Thoughts?

I hate that crap. First, figure out if you want me. THEN figure out if you can afford me. But don't "want" me just because you can "afford" me. That's how I buy laundry detergent.

I doubt your app would be tossed aside because of the number you indicate.

You could give a range: "$____ to $_____, depending on benefits and opportunities for advancement and development" or something like that.

[fluffhead]

Is it asked on an application? If so, I've written down negotiable. I never felt comfortable with a number.

That's what I've always done, too. If they call back and need a number, then I can start to hem and haw and try to figure out what they're thinking.

[ides]

I had usually put negotiable, but if they required a salary I would put a range down.

[oceanchild]

Ugh. That annoys me. I'm still second-guessing myself about the salary I'm making now, because it was based on what I told them I was making where I was before.

Heh, if I told them what I am making now I'd probably be laughed out of the room. Sad to think that your earning potential has peaked at age 26, but given my interests it's probably true.

It's not an application, per se. It's a, "Resumes, including a cover letter, salary requirements, a list of three professional references, and a sample of your professional writing should be sent to..."

I'd really just like to leave it out. I guess I could put salary negotiable on a page with my references.

[DCJenn]

I always put negotiable as well. I completely understand the salary peaking early thing. I've been making about the same $ for about the last 15 years.

Oh well.

Jenn

[scrub-jay]

I hate that crap. First, figure out if you want me. THEN figure out if you can afford me. But don't "want" me just because you can "afford" me. That's how I buy laundry detergent.

Beautiful comparison!

If I were you, I would put negotiable. I read that question as referring to applicants that have specific salary requirements (as in: I cannot survive on less than X, please don't call me back if you can't meet this!) and if you are more flexible tell them. The benefits package can make a world of difference.

Good luck!

-C

This is great because I just interviewed for a job that asked the same thing. I always put negotiable on the application or negotiable depending on benefits...something like that. One if the people that interviewed me (out of 4!) also went as far as to ask how much I made at my last job. I added $2,000 to that number and told her...then mentioned I now have a masters degree as well! They were checking my references yesterday so I'm pretty sure they will offer me the position. Then I'll really have to deal with the whole negotiation process. Don't know how I will figure out how much I'm 'worth' with the new degree and my previous experience. Any suggestions would be great! Sorry if this seemed like a thread hijack!