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Message |
    
Duder
Citizen
Username: El_duderino
Post Number: 933
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 11:04 am: | 
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When an ad for a position asks you to send salary requirements, what is expected? Are you supposed to give an exact number of what you want/expect to make, or is it okay to just include your last/current salary, with the implication that you'd like to earn more, or at least not less? |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1301
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 11:09 am: |
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I always put a number a bit higher than I would accept at and I never include my current salary. I think employers are looking to eliminate people who are way above their range. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 3306
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 12:13 pm: |
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I usually don't answer the question initially & if they press for my "requirements", I tell them it's a little premature to discuss becuase it depends on the nature of the job which I won't know about until later in the interview process (not exact words, but something to that effect).
These days, they've gotten smarter & say "ok...what are you making NOW?" I hate that one because if you "embellish" it could come back to haunt you later. If you tell the complete truth, you can probably only expect a lateral (or 5% bump) if/when an offer comes in. |
Carla
Citizen
Username: Elbowroom
Post Number: 38
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 12:22 pm: |
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Not only do salary requirements help employers eliminate candidates they can't afford but they also help the candidate. Why waste time going to an interview for a job that is not going to pay you want you need?
dave23 is correct. Put the number a little higher than your current salary. Why not get a raise? If the employer really wants you they will negotiate with you. |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1302
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 12:29 pm: |
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Carla, I meant that he should give a number that's higher than he's willing to settle for, i.e., if he'll take the job for $23 he should list $25. I was assuming that it would be for more money than the current salary. |
chiquita
Citizen
Username: Chiquita
Post Number: 64
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 12:55 pm: |
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What I want to know is how you handle the salary requirement question when you currently have a job that you dislike and you are willing to take a pay cut to get a job you know you'd love in an industry that doesn't pay as well. If you tell them what you're making now, they'll likely not consider you at all because you make more than they're willing to pay. But you also don't want to say, "I'm willing to work for a lot less," even if you are. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6689
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:20 pm: |
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If you are changing within your industry, go to salary.com and get an idea of what the ranges are. You should have an idea of how skewed it is by your knowledge. I tend to leave it blank, depending on how I am applying.
If it is a blind response via internet, I will put a range. Not too big a range, keep it proportional. I.e., $40-$45, $75-82 or $110-$125.
If I know someone or have spoken with someone from the company HR, I will write in "flexible, depending on nature of position".
I agree with suggesting that it is premature to talk about salary, especially in these times. Anyone who writes you off immediately because you won't answer the question is probably not someone you would want to work for. It tells you a lot about the corporate culture and how employees are viewed. If you are really interested and they press you, do not lie about your current salary but make sure to add your bonus: I am currently at $50, with target 10% bonus. You can also add that the salary you are expecting to earn would be commensurate with the job responsibilites. If they really want you, they'll deal. You may not get the $65 you'd hoped for, but you can get $56-$60, depending. Or more vacation, or higher target bonus, etc. Many people forget that they have more than salary to negotiate with.
If you are changing industries, most hiring managers will assume that they will need to mention to you that pay reduction may be involved if you have a lot of learning to do. Otherwise, I would code-phrase it in the cover letter: Although I worked in Tinkertoys for the past 10 years, I've realized that my true interests lie in Denture Glue. I would very much appreciate the chance to meet with you and discuss how my skills might transfer into your industry and what types of adjustments you would want me to think about in pursuing this career choice".
Also, if you are changing industries, network a bit and see if you can get a foot in the door with just an informational interview. Salary adjustment will come up at that meeting, especially if you are a well-compensated professional in your current position. If the person likes you and recommends you on, it will be understood by everyone that you know it will involve a certain salary range.
I've done this myself recently. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10498
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:29 pm: |
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When I see those advertisements I always get the impression the employeer is looking for the cheapest body they can find. Just an opinion. |
chiquita
Citizen
Username: Chiquita
Post Number: 65
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:41 pm: |
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Greenetree--Thanks for all your useful suggestions! |
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