What to put for desired salary (interviews, unemployed, company, money)

[kodaka]

When an employer asks for a salary requirement, you know they are going to skim every cover letter for numbers and if they don't see it, your resume ends up in the trash. And if they seem something dumb like '$1.00' they are also going to trash it. So if you aren't willing to provide a number, you may as well not bother applying.

Do your research, then provide a range of about $10k. Make sure the lower number is no lower than you are willing to work for. Then add on 'negotiable and based on total compensation package'.

Glassdoor.com is a good place to look for other salary ranges in your occupation.

[skeet09]

I work in non profit but the positions I apply for vary widely in terms of what Administrative Assistant means. The position can go anywhere from $9/hourly to $50k with the same description and job duties, just a different organization.

[noexcuseforignorance]

I'd avoid the company personally. Those companies that ask for this kind of thing or a salary history are generally run by idiots. They may be doing that to try to get someone who is willing to work below market value instead of finding a really good candidate.

[jade408]

My current job I got with a recruiter. He asked me for a salary range that it would take to move employers, I gave him a range that was about 15% more than my current position, and the recruiter told me he was skeptical I would get it. Especially since my last job was a 30% bump in pay 18 months prior. When the offer came back it was in the middle of my range and a 20% jump in pay and I happily accepted. I later found out I was near the top of the range at my pervious company. My colleagues with more experience were making 10-15k less than I was.

I saw pick a number you'd be happy with if you get the bottom, you never know. But any employer who asks you about requirements too early is generally crappy, they should give a range at the outset.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

25% more than your current job. Factor in if you recently graduated.

[GreenScoutII]

One of my pet peeves when job searching (especially a position outside of my field) is when the potential employer doesn't list a wage or salary on the job posting. Heck, even a salary range is a useful tool.

Just posting the numbers can save everyone a lot of headaches and embarrassment.

[kevinm]

You should put down WHAT YOU NEED to cover your expenses. If they can't meet that, then that is not a job you should accept anyway.

Some employers may be "fishing" to find out if they are paying their CURRENT STAFF too much or too little.

[MSchemist80]

Generally when one of the first questions they ask is about salary they are low-balling bottom feeders and not a good company to work for.

[Oildog]

I put down open or negotiable. They will likely ask your current salary in the interview. I answer that and include any perks, like a car with it.

[Myat Myat]

When I apply my job, I write desire salary range with number $14 per hour but can’t continue cause they show me invalid currency in desired range.They ask me to write “35,250.24”or “3,215”or “7.85”like that.I type like that but they show again that way.Please help me.What should I do?