Why am I asked salary requirements on 1st interview / contact?

Question

Most interview guidelines say that you shouldn't discuss salary until you get a written offer. But several companies have asked for salary reqs and/or salary history at the very 1st phone interview or contact. One HR mgr was irate b/c I didn't share. What gives? I don't want to miss job opps, but I don't want to be punked into an answer prematurely. And anyway, I'm flexible on salary (within reason) depending on everything else (assign., benefits, location etc.)

Thanks. I understand now. (5 good answers so I didn't vote)

Answer 1

Well, I guess they want to know, to make sure they don't waste their time nor yours.

Answer 2

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 3

They want to know whether or not you are within the running and if they are competitive within the market. This is often a tough question however your thought process is correct, salary is only one component of compensation. You can use this to your advantage by asking them what the pay range is for this position. Other things which are just as critical would be benefits, working environment,flexibility etc.
My advice would be to tell them your approximate salary and state that your prime motivator is not salary and that you would want to understand the entire package before making a decision.
On the other hand if salary is way below your expectations best not to waste their time or yours.

Answer 4

When they ask you about your salary preference then tell them. Give a reasonable amount or say some thing like "anyway rate that the company can offer is fine".

Answer 5

If you ask what they consider is too low they will think you don't have enough confidence or skill to do the job. If you want too much they will think that you have an unrealistic view of what you are worth. So by asking that question they get to know something about you. I always put open for discussion.

Answer 6

I think many employers are wanting to see salary requirements early because if your asking price is too high then that is one more applicant they can disregard. It's a fine line to walk - asking an amount that you believe you're worth, but not so high as to price yourself out of the market.

Answer 7

Most companies have a specific wage they will pay, I normally give them a rough estimate of what I will accept, Ask for your high end. If you put nothing they will offer you the lowest wage first, so be bold!!!

Answer 8

Alot of times we ask this because we want to see just how flexable you are.We also have other candidates that we have interviewed and they have also been asked the same question.We want to know who is right for the job and give them incentive to stay .

Answer 9

They just wanna know that now itself, 'cos they're tired of hearing workers asking for a raise everytime.

Answer 10

they are fishing to see what they can get away with

ALWAYS HAVE AN ANSWER READY ( make it high and force them to negotiate it downward never say what the job is worth or any other cop out BE ASSERTIVE that is the way to get the job ) they will negotiate with you (don't be way high of course but from their point of view you are telling them not what you are worth but what the JOB is worth TO YOU )