How do you handle the "salary requirement" protocol in Job Searching? (Details inside)
Today I read an extensive article on the sole subject of negotiating salary throughout a job search process. One consistent rule noted in the article was to avoid divulging your ‘number’ without an offer on the table, and try to ALWAYS let the employer offer their number first.
This is a strategy I can get behind, but I’m finding that the vast majority of companies place instructions in their job postings that require applicants to submit certain items (resume’, cover letter, etc). One of those items is almost always “Salary Requirements”.
So how can you go after those jobs, and stay within the guidelines of smart salary negotiation at the same time?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
9 Answers
This may sound harsh but some of those “Jobs” are HR trying to find out what the market is for their own salaries inside the company. Do some checking on your own and find out what the going rate is at a position by title for the area. Don’t ask for $120,000 in Alabama for a second level position and check the ads for area companies to find out what they are offering.
If the job posting has a salary offered or a salary range and you are happy with it, use that one. If not, simply ignore that requirement. Most prospective employers will not mind.
@Tropical_Willie – Very astute observation, I certainly believe that’s the truth regarding those HR dept’s “putting out the feelers” like that.
I would just write “negotiable” in that line.
Then again, I haven’t been in the job market for years, only on the hiring side.
Agree, salary is always “negotiable”
I suggest that you respond in a manner similar to this: Your compensation requirements are consistent with what the market demands for people with similar experience and skills as yours. Good luck!
In recent years, the trend has been for job listings to demand a “Salary History.” Please don’t provide that information.
First, you’re writing to or speaking with a complete stranger who shouldn’t have access to something so personal. If you divulge your salary history, where will it end up? If you get the job, it’ll be permanently kept in your personnel file; how very inappropriate for the workplace. If your information gets shared with headhunters and recruiters, it could be circulated widely and to many wrong parties.
Second, before you bet on a hand of poker, do you spread your cards on the table for everyone to see? If you provide your salary history while searching for a job, that’s really what you’re doing.
@SadieMartinPaul… yes that is all very clear to me, you’re preaching to the choir.
The question is, how to still put a sound effort forward to snag those jobs while bypassing their demand for salary requirement at the initial stage.
@gambitking Refuse to comply, and explain why. Many potential employers will respect those standards. Those who don’t, you likely wouldn’t want to work for them.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
