I am filling out an application for a new job and it is asking for my starting and ending salary. I don't want to limit myself to a salary because they know what I was given in the past.
2006-07-15 14:25:20 · 7 answers · asked by lawsonmc11 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
As an employer, here is some important information to consider.
1) It's ok for you to put your starting and ending pay relating to your past jobs. The employer is looking at 2 items here. 1st how much money did you receive - 2nd what type of work did you do to receive that type of money. Most employers already have a hourly rate in mind for that position. When they review your application they will see just how much you were making on your last job. They will try to get you to accept their position for the last amount that you were making before. (But keep reading because I will tell you how to get around this)
2) Watch out for the "fine" print. On most applications there is a clause that states they can dismiss you for suppling false information on your application. So before you put something that just isn't true - leave it blank.
3) Many employers will ask you how much do you want to start. Here the employer now has 2 things - what you made on your last job and what they are willing to offer.
Here is the secret - Take a pencil / pen and some paper to your interview - write down the following answers to these questions
Ask them these questions
A) What does the position pay - they will tell you their "starting" rate. (Don't say anything until you get thru with all the questions)
B) What are your responsibilities for that position.
C) What type of benefits do they offer such as - health insurance, vacation pay, holiday pay, etc.
D) What type of raises or bonus' do they offer and how often.
E) What are the company policy for taking time off. (Emergency, car trouble, death in the family, being late for work, etc.)
Now, most new employees who really want that job sell themselves short. 98% don't ask any questions at all. They just either accept what is offered because they need that job bad or they just say that they are not interested because the pay is too low.
99% of all employers including myself have no problem in answering the above questions. It shows me that the person that I am considering hiring is aware of their surroundings and is conscious of their responsibilities not only to themselves but to their family.
Before you go on that interview or apply for that job, sit down and figure out just how much money you need to live on. Then add $1 to $2 per hour to that amount. This will be your bottom line - amount that you want to get. Knowing this will help you to decide whether or not you want that job when you hear what they are willing to pay.
Once you have written all the answers down now is the time to NEGOTIATE. Explain why you would like to work there, how you can be a benefit to that company, how you are the person to get the job done, how you have a car to get you to work, and anything else that is a plus for you and that job position.
If the pay is lower then what you can manage your bills on then now will be the time to state - I would really like to have the job but I would need _______ to start. See if they are willing to negotiate. I have found that many of my new employees are willing to start at a lower rate just to get that job. As an employer, If the person I'm interviewing ask the above questions I know where they are headed and I usually offer a little more to get a good employee or meet the asking amount for starting pay.
Good luck - Hope this helps
2006-07-15 15:56:42 · answer #1 · answered by MR.biz 2 · 11⤊ 3⤋
I wouldn't put your starting and ending salary on an application. If it's less than what the standard wage is at the place you are applying with, then they may try to start you out lower. If you were making a higher salary, then you could scare them off, whether it's fair or not. It's really none of their business anyway. If you are interviewed you may want to share then, but until then, they don't need to know your salary history.
2006-07-15 14:41:12 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a pretty tough question because you may tell them your starting and ending salary from a previous job and some employees will lower the salary if your previous job paid less than what they're paying.
2006-07-15 14:36:11 · answer #3 · answered by newyearbaby1975 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave it blank, write in "market" or write in "negotiable" or write in "open" When it comes to money always try to get the other guy to name it first. The guy who talks first is at a disadvantage. If pressed ask for what range the job pays. Respond that the range sounds fair and ask what you will start at and when will you be reviewed for an increase. If pressed more, say that money is important, but you've always wanted to work "for this company" (name it) or in this kind of job, "warehousing or retail." If pressed again ask when you will start you can start tomorrow or in two weeks. When he says you have the job then concede that you want the middle of the range or if you have experience a little higher and if you are fresh out of high school, lower. Same as buying a used car.
2016-03-16 00:21:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you don't have to give them your salary history, and I wouldn't fill in a "salary expected?" field, either.
If necessary, you can stick on a note letting them know you'll be happy to discuss compensation during the interview.
2006-07-15 14:30:41 · answer #5 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't answer it correctly. They can't verify how much you were making before so lie (within reason of course). You might be able to get offered more than what you were looking for. But if you state something to high then they might not offer you the job if it is out of their range.
2006-07-15 14:31:15 · answer #6 · answered by Janice B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
open is the best answer and then you can talk about it.
2006-07-15 14:29:37 · answer #7 · answered by Jean B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋