Any HR people on DU?

[Jack_Dawson]

How am I supposed to answer the question "what are your salary requirements?" When I quote from Salary.com they always get pissed and tell me how that site is bullshit. But what else am I supposed to say? Here's what people make in this zip code...deal with it. :beer:

[gmoney]

1. "How does minimum wage plus tips sound?"

That's the answer they want to hear.

Honestly, until you've proven your worth, you probably won't command the salary.com number, and the numbers there might be skewed by larger companies that can afford to pay more than other companies.

Maybe take 15 or 20 percent off the salaries.com number, and say, "I'd need $(x-15%) to start, but I'd expect to be making $(x) in six months" -- put it in terms of "if you can give me a chance to show what I can do, I think you'll agree that's what I'm worth.

Also, consider how much you actually REQUIRE and if other things about the opportunity outweigh getting the salary.com number. These days, almost any paycheck is a good paycheck.

Just a thought...

[Nikia]

2. I'm not an HR person but I have interviewed for many jobs

Companies vary in how much they are willing to pay. Even if you have good skills and experience, they may be willing to hire someone else with less skills and experiences who is willing to work for less. If you might not be their most impressive candidate, you might have a better chance of getting the job if you aren't demanding an above average amount.
There were jobs that I believe that I did not get because of my salary requirement for the reasons that I mentioned above. I already had a job though where I made a certain amount. For some of the jobs, like the one I have now, I would face moving or a long commute. Even though, I really wanted to leave my previous job, I always listed a range which at the lowest (depending on how much I wanted that particuliar job) number was my current salary or even a little higher. Eventually, I did get a job offer that met my expectations. It was frustrating though sometimes to go to an interviwe and have the whole tone of the interview change when I answered their question about salary requirement.
I cannot remember if you are unemployed or not. If you are not desparate, start at a number at or slightly higher than jobs that you had of comparable responsibilities. If it is a job of greater responsibilities, ask for more but keep in mind that you may be competing against more experienced candidates. If you are desparate, determine how much you need to live on. Don't go too low though if it is a job of any qualifications or they will think that you are desparate, unconfident, and that there is something wrong with you.
Salary negotiation, especially when you don't have an offer in hand, can be a tough game. good luck.

[Jack_Dawson]

3. Thanks Nikia

Good advice. Unemployed yes, desperate no. Unemployment Insurance has run out, yes. :beer: