So youre close to completing the online software for your dream job.
You entered your contact information and described your work history.
Now its time to answer the job-specific screening questions.
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All is going well until you read What are your salary requirements?
A feeling of dread consumes you.
Then your palms begin to sweat.
You want to ask for as much money as possible.
What number should you enter?
We asked experts to weigh in on how to answer the salary requirements question on job applications.
Why Do Companies Ask This Question on Job Applications?
Most of the time at most companies, the budget drives the train, says Ferguson.
But this isnt the start of formal negotiations.
They want to slot you into their workforce in a place thats equitable and meaningful from the get-go.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
What About Saying Negotiable Instead of Giving a Number?
Is it a good idea to enter terms like negotiable or market rate when youre unsure how to answer?
Negotiable is a cop-out, says Lynda Spiegel, founder of Rising Star Resumes.
Before becoming a professional resume writer, Spiegel spent 14 years in human resources.
Heres the problem: A lot of people say, I dont really have salary requirements.
I just really need a job.
I just want to get my foot in the door, she says.
Thats where they get anxious.
So the thing to do is know your value.
Ferguson tells people who are considering not giving a number to think from the recruiters perspective.
Several websites, such asPayscale,Salary.comandGlassdoor, provide salary ranges for specific jobs.
Ferguson suggests compiling the results from several calculators to find your range instead of relying on just one.
It would demonstrate to me that youve got your stuff together, Ferguson says.
What Number Should I Put Down?
But ultimately, its up to you to determine what you need.
It just takes all of the angst away from it, she says.
Its either a fit for you, or its not.
Should Cost of Living Factor Into Salary Requirements?
These calculators compare the average prices of various items in two metropolitan areas.
She recalls one of her clients finding success using calculators onNumbeo,BankrateandSperlings BestPlaces.
They were pretty spot-on regarding the cost of services, utilities and cost of housing, she says.
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