Question regarding salary

[william antley]

I have applied for a position and have received an e-mail response expressing interest. This e-mail indicates that I need to answer some questions and return them to the sender. I am having some difficulty with one of the questions and would like some assistance and insight.

The question is: What are your salary expectations? We want to ensure that we are using everyone’s time appropriately. This also helps gauge whether or not the role is the best fit for you. Without this information, we will not be able to move forward. Obviously I am being directed to answer this question and, not providing a number will most likely get my efforts rejected.

I have done my research and found an approximate range for salaries for this position but, I don't want to lock myself into too low of an income or scare the sender from continuing to an interview.

I have not yet responded and have asked people I know for their advice and, I'm asking for advice here.

My current response is: Past salaries have ranged from approximately $35,000 per year up to $60,000 per year and nationally, salaries range from $32,000 to $51,000 per year for this position. Actual salary expectations, according to my skills and experience, will be in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 per year.

I am working on other answers to this most troublesome question.

Any help and advice is greatly appreciated, Thank You!

[blitz]

I would state the higher end of the trend but also would state woould except median/average salary + benefits and perks. perhaps mentioned the two range of salary and u know, you dont' want to cut yourself short.

[Peztoy]

I don't know why people beat around the bush. This employer knows how much they will pay based on your knowledge and what they need. It should be here's what we pay, can you make an argument to get more. To me that question means how little can we pay you.

[flanders]

I would respond with a figure that u realistically think your worth. Maybe shoot them your last salary.

[william antley]

I don't know why people beat around the bush. This employer knows how much they will pay based on your knowledge and what they need. It should be here's what we pay, can you make an argument to get more. To me that question means how little can we pay you.


I would respond with a figure that u realistically think your worth. Maybe shoot them your last salary.

That's likely to be exactly what they're trying to do Peztoy, they want top shelf quality but don't want to pay for it. I am worth the $60,000 that I mentioned earlier but, I bet they won't want to pay that much. What I want to do is get them interested enough to talk to me where I can get the information I need to make a realistic decision as to what I will accept. They're kinda holding ALL of the cards at this point. If they don't like my expectations, my future e-mails will probably be dumped in delete for who knows how long.

flanders, my last employment was part time and a lot less than the position may realistically pay, I cannot accept that low of a salary for full time employment.

Here's another thought, all of my positions salaries were based on an hourly rate instead of an annual amount. Make it smaller so it's not so frightening but I don't sell myself short.

[heatingman]

I would put your acceptable range in to answer the question. Leave it somewhat dubious. When I used to work for other people, and I've worked for many, I would state my desired salary / wage which was generally higher than standard, but I would always say I will start for less during the grace period until they felt I was worth my original figure.

If you are good at your job and have experience, that is something that is hard to find, and a good company will know that, and be willing to pay for it.

P.S -
The way they wrote that question about wage expectation gives me a sour feeling about the company, like they don't really care who they hire, or would rather pay a filter changer to attempt complex trouble shooting because it looks cheaper on paper.

[william antley]

No telling heatingman.
I did speak with several family members and friends here and used all of the help I've gotten and we came to this answer:

Based on my salary history, my level of skill and experience and research into similar positions, my salary expectations are $40,000 to $50,000 per year for a senior level position.

For my area, my expectations are a bit above the median of the range. That ought to get some more interest. If not, I probably won't hear anything from them anymore.

[Paul Bee]

I would take the highest hourly wage I ever made and add a dollar to it and I would tell them this is the least I can accept. Who knows when any of us will ever get a raise in this economy? If there is no overtime pay I would ask for more. Why shoot yourself in the foot? Unless you are losing your house or are desperate, do us all a favor and get paid what you are worth. And It has been my experience that a "salary range" to you means the higher number and to them means the lower number.

[Lightning_Boy]

Its easier to accept a lower salary than to negotiate a higher one.

I have no idea what your skill set is and how much demand there is for it in your area, however going by your post I would state a salary range of $45k - $50k/year if that would be acceptable to you.

[btuhack]

Based on my salary history, my level of skill and experience and research into similar positions, my salary expectations are $40,000 to $50,000 per year for a senior level position.


How's about some variation of this:
Our region can and does profitably pay a worker with my skill set xx,xxx(not a range...or large range). I will eagerly entertain performance benchmarks, that are within my control, to eleviate concerns regarding abilities.

[jackintheboxtec]

Just put salary open..Let them make an offer.

[william antley]

Based on all of my research, my range is acceptable and of course, I want the most I can earn but, I have no exact idea of what they can or will pay. Stating my expectations as I did puts the ball back in their court. Once I get in for an interview I may be able to negotiate for more. Also, this is for monetary earnings only, not a complete package including bennies, benefits would increase the salary amount.
Getting my foot in the door is my first goal, negotiating my compensation is next. Listing those numbers will garner enough interest to get me in for an interview, after that is up to my negotiating skills.
Besides, if they only want $40,000 worth of work for a year, that's what I can provide. If they want more than that, we'll have to do some hagglin'.
Besides, asking for too much is a surefire way to get myself off of the candidate list. It's a tough balancing act and they put me into the difficult position of having to state a number first instead of waiting for them to make the initial statement. Not an easy situation to handle.