Do I have to answer this question during an interview?? (job application, average)

[kitty3]

I've noticed when filling out job applications, they ask you what your former salary was. Do I have to answer this? I really prefer not to, since I want to make a higher salary in the new job! Perhaps if they saw the dollar amount I used to make, they'd think they wouldn't have to pay much more than that. What do you put in the space then?
Also, during an interview when they ask "what type of salary are you looking for?" What's the best way to answer? Should you put a range or a single figure? If a range, should the low end be the minimum you'd actually accept or higher than that? thanks everyone

[texdav]

Leave it blank and they may eminate you. You do not have to answer anything really. You need to look at waht starting salary is for theat type position and aftyer the number of years experience you have is. Set it in the middle if you want the job.

[bande1102]

Answering this question has NEVER been in my best interest--actually, it has always cost me. I won't answer it. I've still gotten interviews even when they state that they won't consider applicants who don't include salary info.

Anyway, the dollar figure is only part of the equation; benefits, time off, flexibility--all of that needs to be taken into consideration. When I'm really pushed, I'll say something to that effect. Bottom line--I'll never give a number.

As far as what to put in the space? If it's paper, I don't put anything. If it's a program or online and I'm forced to enter a figure, I enter a dollar.

[mkfarnam]

On paper I put "open"

[Bydand]

If I am asked in an interview what I want to make an hour, I always answer $1000/hour, followed quickly that while I would love to make that I know the job market and going rate is much less than that so I'll settle for a fair competitive wage for the area. A variation is "I would like a $1000 an hour, but will settle for a WHOLE lot less" said with a big smile. Always gets a shocked look, followed by a chuckle when they hear the last part. Never have I been in an interview where I haven't been offered the job either right then, or shortly thereafter. I think a bit of your own personality coming through lets them know you are confident in your abilities and expect to be treated fair when it comes to wages and benefits.

[texdav]

Bet you miss alot of jobs too.If you don't know what you will work for then I would say that means they can offer you minimum for positon. It indicates that you don't know what you are worth or often you don't think your work much. A silly ansawer usually loses their interest right away in you.

[mkfarnam]

Originally Posted by texdav

Bet you miss alot of jobs too.If you don't know what you will work for then I would say that means they can offer you minimum for positon. It indicates that you don't know what you are worth or often you don't think your work much. A silly ansawer usually loses their interest right away in you.

Maybe someone without much of a work background or experience in that field. For me it means "open for negotiation".

[mdwstrnkid]

As I mentioned in a previous post, when we hire, we also ask what their expectations are. We don't ask how much they are currently making as it isn't relevant to us. What we want to know is whether their expectations are in line with what we are prepared to offer. We ask this question toward the beginning of the interview process so that we know we aren't wasting each other's time by going through a long interview process and having compensation be the stumbling block in the end.

[foma]

Don't tell unless asked and if asked, tell only if you want to!

As for stating a salary requirement, if you do not put a number down, at least be familiar with what the pay range is for your industry. Do your homework before your interview so at least if asked during the interview you can give a range. I would always go higher than the median. Say if the median is $30K/yr and you are happy with $28K, then I would go with something like $30-35K. You know your worth.

The bottom line is, you don't want to go too extravaggently over the average for the industry!

[Huckleberry3911948]

i always was good about doing what i was told, starting with the interview.
of course i never made CEO.

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