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So many job listings these days do not list a salary at all. Sometimes the employer just asks what
Career / 4:14 PM - Friday February 03, 2012

So many job listings these days do not list a salary at all. Sometimes the employer just asks what

a candidate is looking for, salary-wise, in a new job. I'm never quite sure what to list. 15% more than I make now? I dont want to price myself out of the market before I even get an interview. Any suggestions?

- Asked by betterbird, A Creative, Male, 46-55, San Francisco, Administrative

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I always add 15% to my present salary when looking for another position.

I also, add into the following sentence: This figure is negotiable, dependent upon other benefits offered.

I was never turned down because of this, even when their salary range was lower than I was requesting. They always raised their numbers, once they interviewed me.

If YOU do not think you are special, neither will they.

- Response by randyl, A Married Girl, Female, 36-45, Los Angeles, Who Cares?

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I cant say, we have very clear salary scales listed on the job vacancy add.. that way it is clear that your equal... I know that I get the same pay as a guy that does my job...

- Response by rumloverreturns, A Married Girl, Female, 46-55, Glasgow, Other Profession

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Thats A Tough One-

Almost Damn If You Do Damn If You Dont With That

If You Don't Price Yourself Then You Will Not Get The Job...
If You Do Price Yourself and The Price is Not Right You Will Not Even Get A Offer For The Job...

- Response by bevann2012, A Career Woman, Female, 36-45, Executive

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Do some web research and investigate the pay range for that type of job, your required skill level and what is being paid in the region you live. Most bigger companies show a min and max salary in their ad.

- Response by ilom, A Mr. Married Guy, Male, 46-55, Halifax, Science / Engineering

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I think the trick is to get a person to de-value themself when applying, as if to create the idea that everyone is trying to bid down and lowball the employer--and the lowest bidder who is qualified wins. Not true, the best "fit" for the job will get the job, even if the company pays a little more (true for most technical jobs or jobs needing experience. Just put what you think you are worth and add $.50 to $1.00 per hour or $1000-2000 per year. This will show you have reasonable expectations and can be talked down only slightly. Go in with an attitude and position of strength and self-confidence.

"Negotiable" is a cop-out and is reserved for houses and cars for sale. Market determines what these sell for. Market also determines what your salary will be, so there is some lee-way. Companies know what they must pay to attract the proper kind of help. If they don't pay it, they will suck at what they do and therefore lose revenue and profit.

Suppose they give you an offer for the job, but you get another offer elsewhere for $4000 more for similar work. Obviously, if you like them slightly better, you will ask for $4000 more to match the offer.

- Response by beachinbeachboy, A Jock, Male, 36-45, Pittsburgh, Consulting

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I work in HR for, lets say a really big tech company, in Silicon Valley. Copy and paste your resume, minus your name and essentials, send it to me and I'll give you a salary range.

- Response by sexx, A Jock, Male, Who Cares?

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Tell him a little bit more than he is making will be fine

- Response by bigcurt, A Mr. Nice Guy, Male, 46-55, Pittsburgh, Self-Employed

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I've decided to say that I'm willing to leave that to the boss, and after I've proven myself, we can reconsider.
With some part time situations, I say that I'm prepared to keep my current work.

- Response by chesterdad, An Intellectual Guy, Male, 56-65, San Francisco

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