I do online applications often. Want to know what how to answer salary requirements-Can't use negotiable.?

Question

On online applications there often is just a drop down menu and not the option to enter negotiable or open as far a salary requirements. I NEVER know how to answer for the very reasons other people have mentioned.

Answer 1

Many companies want to know what YOU think you are worth...be practical, but DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Usually when I am changing jobs I am looking for a raise in income, and more responsibilities. I typically look for something between 2500 & 5000 more than my current salary with equivalent or better benefits.

Look on Monster.com to find the salary calculator. Be honest in answering your questions. I have noticed that it bids a bit high - but is usually within $5000 per year of what you can expect for the position title and reponsibilities.

I remember on one job I asked for quite a bit more than I was making at the time - and they took me at that amount. After I looked on Monster.com I found I had seriously undervalued myself even though it was a significant pay raise at the time. i actually could have asked for about $7500 more and I would have still been very practical for what the position called for.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hmmm. It's hard to know whether this is a genuine question on the employer's part, or a test. It may depend on the nature of the job you are applying for. If they are looking for a confident person, possibly with selling skills, then the kind of response that Paul Ding gives could well be what they are looking for. On the other hand, if this is not the nature of the job, then that could back-fire. In this case I would ask them what the salary scale for the position is and how they determine where people are allocated on it. Explain that you only wish the process to be fair and transparent and to be paid no more or less that colleagues with equivalent experience and skills. On the form I would give a statement along these lines. If at the interview they give the impression that there is no salary structure and it is entirely negotiable, then they are probably looking for an answer like Paul's. In which case, go for a reasonable high level - but sell yourself with it. If you do a good selling job on yourself they'll probably offer you the job (although they might suggest you start on a lower salary to start with - I don't think you'll price yourself out of the running if you pitch the level too high).

Answer 3

I would recommend that rather than fill out an online application form, find the address, or email address, of the company you are applying to (just check their website for contact or careers page) and send a regular cover letter and resume to the attention of the HR officer. This way, your application isn't just dumped into some database, and you can say in your cover letter that your salary is negotiable.

However, be prepared to have a number ready if you do get called in for an interview, because they will ask you when you go.

Answer 4

jerry use one simple word "ANY"