Questions about working for Microsoft in Redmond, Seattle (apartment, how much)

[angeldarkholme]

Hello:

Im a computer systems engineer, applying for a job at microsoft and I was wondering if you can help me with some stuff I need to know.

They are asking me to fill in a form in which I need to put the annual salary that I would like to have.

I don't have any idea about what to write down because Im from México and I have never lived in the states.

Im single, Im modest so what I really need is a salary that lets me have an average life ( a small apartment not to far from redmond, food, transportation).

I just got my degree so I dont have work experience.

I was wondering if you could please help me with an estimate of a salary for a person like me in microsoft.

Thank you very much for your help.

[jwb123]

Go to salary.com, but a good starting salary is probably anywhere from $50k-55kish.

[41Willys]

Well according to Jenbar MS starts out low, like 12.00 an hour. You mite want to ask her. She was/is a recruiter.

[jwb123]

$12 would be for a low level tester, or tech, support etc...

Not a degreed engineer.

[angeldarkholme]

Thank you for your help.
I looked at salary.com and as you said, the good salary is around 50 K.

The important thing for me is to work in this great enterprise and to develop my professional skills so Im focused on what Im going to learn and not in how much Im going to earn.

Thats why I would like to know what's the minimun salary that you think I may ask for ( I want to be a good option for the recruiters, but I would also like to know that the salary I asked for will be enough to live without problems).

Thank you very much for your time.

[toughguy]

$12.00 an hour is more like receptionists and janitors...I was making $20 an hour just doing 2nd tier technical support, so I think he should shoot a little higher than that.

[kilgore trout]

I just graduated as well and during my job hunt was told that, more often than not, companies already know more or less what they plan to offer a new grad straight out of college. B/C you really don't have a lot of experience to use as leverage, it won't be nearly as much of a negotiation as you might think.

In other words, if MS does end up liking you, they will probably make an offer not determined by whatever you put on that application.

Hope this helps - best of luck with the application process.

j-

[jwb123]

$20 an hour, 2nd tier support... at MS? What group? And through what agency?

[allforcats]

Angeldarkholme, don't choose a figure that's lower than average. Microsoft might wonder why you value yourself on a low level. I think Jenbar's recommendation is based on professional knowledge and experience -- use the $50,000 to $55,000.

Hint: make sure you spell Microsoft with a capital M, not "microsoft". They know how important they are and don't enjoy being trivialized.

[Lillietta]

Yes, salaries are negotiated. You name it; they reject, accept, or compromise