Job Application - "Salary Requirements"

[Papa Deuce]

Well it sure doesn't stop them from asking you! I'll admit that I fudged my numbers when my current employer asked. Just because you were underpaid in your last job doesn't mean they have the right to take advantage too. If you are worth the money and they want you bad enough, they'll pay.

I once had a perspective employer ask me if I was dating anybody, and if so, how often!

I flat out said that wasn't their business. I still was offered the job. But it seems like employers feel they have the right to ask anything they choose.

 

[Snowy]

OP's question reminded me of an article I read in O magazine last month on becoming a millionaire. One thing the author said that I found interesting was that women never talk about how much money we make, or what's the best way to be on a fast track to a fat income.

I've generally taken whatever I'm offered for a salary. I do not think my male counterparts have operated the same way. From now on, I'm going to have a specific dollar range in mind, and I'm going to ask for it. I think leaving it vague and waiting to hear what is offered means I get the lowest possible number they can get away with.

My opinion is: write a specific salary range, say 2 numbers about $5000 apart. And aim high, but realistic. The worst thing that will happen if they like you and want to hire you is they will tell you they can't possibly pay you that much. Then, negotiate them as high as you can get them! Good luck!

 

[Brandon79]

Apparently I've been given some *very inaccurate* & downright *BAD* information regarding this issue. I was under the impression it was illegal for a prospective employer to inquire as to your past or current salary as well as personal info such as age & sexual orientation. So, it's within their legal right to obtain former & current salaries???

 

[halestrm]

One of the reasons we ask for salary requirements is that it helps to weed people out. For each job opening, we get 100's of resumes. I go through and first pull out the ones who gave me the requirements. Then I check to see if they are in line with what we are willing to pay. I have had people apply for filing clerk job who want $40K per year. I don't even bother looking any further. At the same time, I may have an opening available at $9.75/hr. I will look at anyone with requirements from $9-10.75/hr. I don't want a person who believes they are only worth $6 in the position.

When we ask for requirements, anyone who submitted without an answer goes into the "second round" bin. We figure they can't follow instructions. They are only looked at if none of the others fit the requirements; and they already have a strike against them.

 

[alliecats]

One of the reasons we ask for salary requirements is that it helps to weed people out. For each job opening, we get 100's of resumes. I go through and first pull out the ones who gave me the requirements. Then I check to see if they are in line with what we are willing to pay. I have had people apply for filing clerk job who want $40K per year. I don't even bother looking any further. At the same time, I may have an opening available at $9.75/hr. I will look at anyone with requirements from $9-10.75/hr. I don't want a person who believes they are only worth $6 in the position.

When we ask for requirements, anyone who submitted without an answer goes into the "second round" bin. We figure they can't follow instructions. They are only looked at if none of the others fit the requirements; and they already have a strike against them.

And yet just about every job hunting book out there will tell you to avoid this question like the plague, because you will get weeded as you describe above if you answer! The books all tell you to say "My salary requirements are negotiable" etc, etc, in your cover letter, if you are asked to provide a number. It's funny to hear your company thinks the people who do that "can't follow instructions." They are following instructions, just not yours! LOL! If they provide the requirements, they may get weeded for not wanting enough $ or wanting too much. If they don't provide it, HR might think they are instruction-impaired. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't!
Job hunting is a tricky business! OP, Good luck to you!

 

[Keggy]

My opinion is: write a specific salary range, say 2 numbers about $5000 apart. And aim high, but realistic. The worst thing that will happen if they like you and want to hire you is they will tell you they can't possibly pay you that much.

Ditto - I am a recruiter and this is my advice as well. I have to know your salary requirements if you are looking for a job. I cannot help someone find a job if they do not know what they want to make.

I definitely say give a range 5K apart - the higher you go up this may differ, you are able to go with a wider range - Since, varying things will factor into the job. (Benefits, vacation, sick time, per diem, relocation, etc.)

If I receive something that is blank or says negotiable - I bypass it for a candidate that was able to answer my question.

Now, if there is a really good candidate whose rate is too high - I will go to them and ask if they can go lower.


Side Note:
The thing that cracks us up around here are people who say they are currently making - for example $30 per hour - but want $75 per hour... Ummm, you do realize that is a $45 an hour increase, correct?


Kelly

 

[halestrm]

And yet just about every job hunting book out there will tell you to avoid this question like the plague, because you will get weeded as you describe above if you answer! The books all tell you to say "My salary requirements are negotiable" etc, etc, in your cover letter, if you are asked to provide a number. It's funny to hear your company thinks the people who do that "can't follow instructions." They are following instructions, just not yours! LOL! If they provide the requirements, they may get weeded for not wanting enough $ or wanting too much. If they don't provide it, HR might think they are instruction-impaired. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't!
Job hunting is a tricky business! OP, Good luck to you!

I agree it is very tough to go job hunting, but so is finding quality employees. It is amazing the resumes I get. My favorite is a resume with a crayon smilie face drawn on it.

Regarding the salary q, generally each position has a range for us. Higher end jobs may have a $20K range. But it boils down to this for us. We have hired people who asked a lot more than we were willing to pay and 1 year later we are replacing them; same with people who ask to little. Frequently people will put a very large range in stating that it depends on the benefits that we offer. Sometimes people will put in a high number but state that they will accept less if the benefits justify it. We will look at them if they are near the range because even though we are a company of less than 50 employees, we offer a great package.

Also, in defense of the not following directions, we do say that providing us with a salary range is required.

A person earlier stated that they thought salary questions were off limits. While it is illegal to ask about age, religion, disabilities, etc, salary is not off limits. Here is a good link for how to handle sensitive and personal questions.

http://interactive.wsj.com/public/current/articles/SB868475537387961000.htm

 

[drgnfly30]

Apparently I've been given some *very inaccurate* & downright *BAD* information regarding this issue. I was under the impression it was illegal for a prospective employer to inquire as to your past or current salary as well as personal info such as age & sexual orientation. So, it's within their legal right to obtain former & current salaries???

I believe in my state the former employer is only allowed to verify if indeed you worked there & the timeframe in which you were employed... Anything else is off limits!