When asked for salary requirements?

Question

Can I put down negotiable or should I put down the lowest I'll accept or the salary I want & negotiate????

Answer 1

Definitely do not put down the lowest you will accept. If you need the job, then you should put down a "fair" salary - which is probably your last position or a modest raise over your last position. The exception, of course, is if you have just made a big change (like finished a degree) - then you should put down a well researched figure that puts you around the median for that position and your experience.

If you don't need a job, but are just fishing around, put down a realistic but high salary that would absolutely leave you with no regrets if you left your current position.

Another negotiating technique you can try is the lowball salary that tries to avoid erosion. The idea here is that if you put a low number down, they may try to erode that figure further later. You can prevent this by saying something (only when they pin you down on salary) like "If you offer $43,000, I will accept your offer." You want a number there that you think will be attractive to them for the position and your experience, but you need to be willing to look elsewhere if they don't offer it. This technique tries to bypass the whole negotiating process because some people are uncomfortable with that.

You never want to show your salary cards earlier than necessary. You can always put in "consistent with my experience and your business needs" into a blank if they MAKE you fill it out. If they have advertised a range that you think they will not be able to sway from, then put down the highest number in that range. E.g. a big corporation may advertise a position at $32,000 to $45,000. However, you should know that even they will often budge, and committing to a figure before you even have an interview can put you at a disadvantage.

Good hunting!

PS - I advise against a range. You will look indecisive and they will only see the lower figure anyway. They will read it as "the low figure, plus I don't know" They can put a range down because there are any number of people to fill the position. You should have an idea of what YOU are worth in this position.

Answer 2

Before writing down any amount, you should first research the position and the market rate. This will give you a ball park range of what the company will offer. Keep in mind that most companies will not start you out at the market median range. Most likely, they'll start you at the minimum range. Check Salary.com for a place to start.
I'd advised for you not to put down "negotiable". This opens the door for the employer, not the employee. The employer will see that you have no idea what the pay range is and they will short change you.
Just remember that as you go through life gaining experience, your self worth is also growing. Always ask for more than what you are making now. If the amount is too expensive for this company, then this job is not worth it for you. If the amount is way low for what the job will offer, they'll really look at hiring you. And that's why you should research the market rate.
No matter what you put down, companies will not hire you at the rate you requested. It's always lower. For example, if you put down $50000, the company will NOT come back and say, "I know you put down $50000 but we're actually going to pay you $70000" That's rediculous. Companies will not do that. Employers are always ready to "play hardball". For example, you request $50000, but they offer $40000. They have a $10000 range to play. If they can get you for $45000, they just saved $5000 a year on you.
Come up with a fair number that both you and the company can agree on. Then, expect them to go a little lower than what you requested.

Answer 3

Negotiate. You don't want to low-ball yourself, and you don't want someone to think you're greedy when you put down what you know you want- knowing that they're going to offer less on a matter of principle. You definitely shouldn't put your lowest- you'll get it when you could have had more! You always want to give yourself the chance to get a bit more... list your skills and "sell yourself" to future potential employers. Show them you're worth the extra- then negotiate for it.
Remember though, they should bring up salary first!

Answer 4

Put down "negotiable" if you are willing to negotiate. If you need an absolute bare minimum and they can't or won't meet it, you are spinning your wheels. Sometimes it's a good tactic to use negotiable but sometimes it leaves too much haggling room. Go with your best judgment on how to approach it for your particular situation and needs.

Answer 5

Yes, most interview guidelines say that you shouldnt discuss abt salary but for yr info asking salaries is the compulsory for the Hr mgr, to evaluate the person, if you are demanding asking more then they willing its shows that you are not looking for the job right, you more on looking for money , not really wanna try to work hard, and gain. Thats y the salary asking is one of the question. My advise is just answer how much do they offer, later you just tell them what is yr requirement, or maybe you tell them what benefits beside salary.... dnt ever ever tell them how much u expected, you really wanna the job,they usually judge who you are from your answer and your demand.

Answer 6

Just do not put anything unless the ad says "only resume with salary requirements will be considered". If this is the case put what you would expect. Otherwise, leave it open because this will be the best chance of you getting a call back.

Answer 7

Put down negotiable. This will prompt a conversation where you can negotiate.

Answer 8

Say negotiable. Don't say the lowest you want because they may have been willing to pay more.

Answer 9

I would put down a slightly higher amount than you want and that it may be negotiable.

Answer 10

Negotiable.

Get a firm offer first. Otherwise they are negotiating from a position of strength.