Soooo. I'm looking into upgrading the ol' career and the question, "please provide your salary requirements." is very difficult.
Do I provide a step up from my current salary at the current job?
Do I provide a salary based on my low consulting rate?
Do I use my high consulting rate?
If it is a job that has a national range between $50K and $90K but the potential employer doesn't provide a range, and I choose $100K am I out of the running? What about if I choose $35K, do they think I'm an idiot?
The best advice (from theMuse.com):
"You’ll likely come up with a range, and you should put the highest number in that range that applies, based on your experience, education, and skills. And yes, that’s a little aggressive—but bear with me.Next, I recommend writing “(flexible)” or “(negotiable)” next to your number. If you have room to do so—for example, in your cover letter—stress again that your salary requirement is flexible or negotiable and that there are so many working parts to compensation —benefits, job title, opportunities for advancement—that you’re certain you can find a way to satisfy both of you if you’re a good fit for the position."
I used this technique, starting high, for the first time yesterday. It was uncomfortable because I usually see things from the management perspective and aim to fit the job and make sure it is low enough, in the range that I researched, in order for me to get the job. This has worked very well before.
But for the job I tried this technique yesterday, I bet there is some laughter and shaking of heads!
That's OK, I'm trusting God and going for it. :-)
Do I provide a step up from my current salary at the current job?
Do I provide a salary based on my low consulting rate?
Do I use my high consulting rate?
If it is a job that has a national range between $50K and $90K but the potential employer doesn't provide a range, and I choose $100K am I out of the running? What about if I choose $35K, do they think I'm an idiot?
The best advice (from theMuse.com):
"You’ll likely come up with a range, and you should put the highest number in that range that applies, based on your experience, education, and skills. And yes, that’s a little aggressive—but bear with me.Next, I recommend writing “(flexible)” or “(negotiable)” next to your number. If you have room to do so—for example, in your cover letter—stress again that your salary requirement is flexible or negotiable and that there are so many working parts to compensation —benefits, job title, opportunities for advancement—that you’re certain you can find a way to satisfy both of you if you’re a good fit for the position."
I used this technique, starting high, for the first time yesterday. It was uncomfortable because I usually see things from the management perspective and aim to fit the job and make sure it is low enough, in the range that I researched, in order for me to get the job. This has worked very well before.
But for the job I tried this technique yesterday, I bet there is some laughter and shaking of heads!
That's OK, I'm trusting God and going for it. :-)