The All-Important Salary Question

Ask a Manager has a great posting about how to answer the all important question about your salary requirements.  I like her advice, and I think I offer additional good advice in the comment I left on the posting:

"I think many folks get scared of the salary question because it feels so very personal (most of us have hangups/issues with money, right?). That's why the key here is to treat it like a business question rather than a personal question. I am in favor of Ask A Manager's point that the candidate should do some research. With the salary calculator on hotjobs.com you can get a pretty reasonable range for most jobs. Then when the salary question comes up you're not answering personally about your own finances, but you are able to say something like, "Based on my market research, positions at this level in this industry, with this scope of responsibility typically pay between $XX and $XX and that range is acceptable to me." Then follow up with a business question: "Is that within the range you have priced the job at?" If you've done your research and your price range is accurate, they will be impressed! If they get cagey with you about their range and aren't forthcoming, you are going to learn a LOT about whether you really want to work there or not!"

Read here for the details!

Comments

[Keith Grivaldi]

I've always found it works well to base your salary questions or requirement off of your last job. Such as saying, "I was previously paid X, and was hoping to stay in that range."

[J Penny]

You do need to base your request on hard data. Taking a new job does not automatically make you worth more money. Make sure to link any reference in an interview situation to an increase on your previous salary to increased job responsibilities and demands.

Stick to the facts when discussing your previous salary, it is within the rights of a prospective employer to request proof of your former salary. You have the right to decline the request but this is likely to be perceived negatively in the job interview.

[bethanie]

I know your a fraud Keith Grivaldi, it's all over the internet. Your a total & complete asshole & I hope someday you look back & realize all the people you hurt and with all the identities you stole & misused you sent parents & their children to live on the streets and I hope their pain & tears haunt you in your sleep & in your wake.