Salary Requirement

I am needing some advice. I just received an email from a company that I am interested in. They are requesting my salary requirement. Since I sent them a resume and have not interviewed with them, I am wondering what would be a good response at this point. I am a Controller for a small dealership group and this job is a Controller for a average size newspaper/magazine publishing company.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Farnoosh Brock on August 13, 2012 at 10:01am

Dean, you just have to come up with something - you need to know the range in your industry and then add more for experience. I have always despised this question because I always low-balled and I got stuck at that salary. I would say get some expert advice from people in your target industry if you know any - and if they are willing to share just numbers (not their own salary - sensitive topic ;))! GOOD LUCK!!! Don't low-ball yourself!

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Permalink Reply by Jake Bauer on August 16, 2012 at 2:54pm

I would say be honest. Tell them what you'd be happy with and what you think you're worth. I know many people say you should try to push this back until the very end, but I've given my requirements a few times and found out I'm well above the range they were expecting. Rather than waste their or my time, we can wish each other luck and move on.

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Permalink Reply by Don Dunay on August 17, 2012 at 1:51pm

You should tell them it is too early to discuss salary. Dan would say "you should wait until after they want you and before you accept". Remember compensation can take many forms, not just the weekly paycheck. You will need to look at the entire compensation package. They don't always stick to their company guidelines, on one job part of the package was one week accrued vacation time the very start of the job, not their company policy. You will just have to play it out, even if it uses up some of your time. Good Luck.

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Permalink Reply by Noreen Hansen on August 17, 2012 at 7:08pm

Dean I agree with Don and what Dan would tell you ... Let them know you do not yet have enough information to respond to this request. Hold out as long as possible

Now ... Many companies do not want to waste people's time so they will insist on knowing a range. Ask them to tell you the range they have budgeted for the salary and you will let them know if you are "speaking in the right ball park". That will help you know how to aim in terms of salary. Try to hold strong this can get tough ... Let the HR person speak first ... Be silent. He who speaks last has the upper hand.

Then know that once offers are made most companies do request proof of salary so dont get too greedy. Start with where you are now and seek an increase. Even in this economy it is acceptable to expect an increase for your knowledge experience and the risk of a change. Plus this is more responsibility. Remember the larger company, the greater the risk & potential issues I.e. management, organizational change, etc the greater the salary demand can be.

Good luck to you!

I will say a prayer for you!
Noreen