How Do I Answer Wage Rates? (applying, application, employers, work)

[Truth11]

Here's one of the questions listed on the app I was recently doing-

"Please enter the wage rate you are seeking or hope to attain now, on an hourly basis in dollars and cents."

If I shoot too high will I possibly price myself out of a job? Or do they want to know what I'm going for eventually?...

[Truth11]

Here's another strange question they included on the application:

Please indicate which generation you belong to. This information is strictly confidential and will not be used at any point during the hiring process. *
Veteran/Traditionalist (1922 - 1945)
Baby Boomer (1946 - 1964)
Generation X (1965 - 1979)
Generation Y/Millennial (1980 +)

[RoadWarrior12]

Whaaaaat? These people are legitimate morons, or you've made this up to troll out a very tired subject in the forum.

If it's actually real, just answer whatever and say "that's how I feel mentally".

[StPaulGal]

I don't think the wage question is odd at all. Maybe the wording is a bit unconventional, but it's a completely standard question: how much would we have to pay you to work here? Not eventually--right now. Do you know how much people in your field with similar experience and credentials to yours? I would choose a number in the middle of that range and put that down.

The second question is completely bizarre and out of line. You are generally not required to answer any questions that ask you to self-identify (usually to do with race and gender.) I would skip the weird question about your "generation."

[intelfan11315]

The wage question is a standard question, I typically leave it blank.

The age question definitely seems weird and borderline age discrimination.

[Truth11]

Originally Posted by burgler09

The age question definitely seems weird and borderline age discrimination.

Another roundabout way for them to find out your age...like when did you graduate?

[sirron]

Originally Posted by Truth11

Here's one of the questions listed on the app I was recently doing-

"Please enter the wage rate you are seeking or hope to attain now, on an hourly basis in dollars and cents."

If I shoot too high will I possibly price myself out of a job? Or do they want to know what I'm going for eventually?...

The best you can do is to research typical starting wages for the industry to which you are applying. This will also vary by location. Try the Bureau of Labor Statistics; there is a wealth of information on that site.

www.bls.gov

[marigolds6]

Skip both questions, or if the wage question is required, fill it in with zeros.
These questions are a good sign these people could be crappy employers.

[Truth11]

Originally Posted by marigolds6

Skip both questions, or if the wage question is required, fill it in with zeros.
These questions are a good sign these people could be crappy employers.

It's Frito Lay;

[MSchemist80]

Originally Posted by Truth11

It's Frito Lay;

Pepsi? Run don't walk.