Posted: 8/19/2011 12:18:39 PM EDT
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I am about to write a cover letter, and in the job announcement they ask applicants to include salary requirements. Normally places don't ask for this as they offer a number and then you can negotiate from there. So, I'm wondering if I should be totally honest with my number, go higher than I expect, or low ball myself to make myself a more desirable candidate? What do you think? |
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Quoted: I would suggest you simply state your most current salary, and then qualify it by saying that it is negotiable due to this fantastic opportunity (or whatever sycophantic phrase you choose to use) Thanks. Just telling them my old salary is probably the best course of action. And I'll try not to be TOO sycophantic in my cover letter.
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Quoted: Quoted: I would suggest you simply state your most current salary, and then qualify it by saying that it is negotiable due to this fantastic opportunity (or whatever sycophantic phrase you choose to use) Thanks. Just telling them my old salary is probably the best course of action. And I'll try not to be TOO sycophantic in my cover letter. You should start with "Despite being fired for immoral conduct, I hold my dirt-bag former employer fully responsible for my situation." |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I would suggest you simply state your most current salary, and then qualify it by saying that it is negotiable due to this fantastic opportunity (or whatever sycophantic phrase you choose to use) Thanks. Just telling them my old salary is probably the best course of action. And I'll try not to be TOO sycophantic in my cover letter. You should start with "Despite being fired for immoral conduct, I hold my dirt-bag former employer fully responsible for my situation." You should start a resume writing business. That's some good shit right there! |
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Idk about your line of work but every time myself or my wife interviews, they typically ask how much you're looking for up front. In my industry (programmer) the salaries can vary wildly and they don't want to waste everyones time when you're looking for 30k over what they can offer.
I NEVER EVER list my current salary, that's none of their business and besides its stupid to ask because you could simply lie if you wanted. Besides, what you pay someone should be based on the work they will be doing and the experience that they bring to the table, not what their last place was paying them. |
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Quoted:
Idk about your line of work but every time myself or my wife interviews, they typically ask how much you're looking for up front. In my industry (programmer) the salaries can vary wildly and they don't want to waste everyones time when you're looking for 30k over what they can offer. I NEVER EVER list my current salary, that's none of their business and besides its stupid to ask because you could simply lie if you wanted. Besides, what you pay someone should be based on the work they will be doing and the experience that they bring to the table, not what their last place was paying them. This, I don't list my salary requirements on a cover letter or a resume. They might ask for it but I still wouldn't. They will either like what they see on your resume and call you in for a chat or they won't. If they do call you in for a chat and ask you what you are making now, add 5-10K to what you are really making. Never show you hold card. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Idk about your line of work but every time myself or my wife interviews, they typically ask how much you're looking for up front. In my industry (programmer) the salaries can vary wildly and they don't want to waste everyones time when you're looking for 30k over what they can offer. I NEVER EVER list my current salary, that's none of their business and besides its stupid to ask because you could simply lie if you wanted. Besides, what you pay someone should be based on the work they will be doing and the experience that they bring to the table, not what their last place was paying them. This, I don't list my salary requirements on a cover letter or a resume. They might ask for it but I still wouldn't. They will either like what they see on your resume and call you in for a chat or they won't. If they do call you in for a chat and ask you what you are making now, add 5-10K to what you are really making. Never show you hold card. This man speaks the truth. I always pad the number I want to make for a job by a bit. That way they can talk me down, or better yet think I am so shit hot they just hire me at my wishful thinking price. |
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Quoted: Quoted: This.I would suggest you simply state your most current salary, and then qualify it by saying that it is negotiable due to this fantastic opportunity (or whatever sycophantic phrase you choose to use) Fairly conflicting views I see. Couldn't they verify my past salary by calling my previous employers? Or is that info confidential? |
| I never state what I make or give a range. Any company doing that is using an unfair tactic against you. Who ever gives a number first in negotiations will lose. If you state what you make you will either be to expensive or have low balled yourself. Besides how can you put a price on what you do when you know nothing about the job the company will want you to do; or the company knows nothing about your skill set. I ignore it. If your resume is strong they will call. Never talk money up front. For me any company that wants that info up front is a red flag. |