How do you deal with the salary question in an interview? (employee, applying)

[StrangeAsAngels]

This was brought up early in the process and I have deflected it for a while without talking numbers. I do have a certain amount of money I need to get paid in order for me to be able to afford to accept this job (it will require me to move closer to their offices to avoid a lengthy commute and rent is considerably hire in that area...i live in a metropolitan region).

I've read a lot about this. Some sources say that when salary is brought up by the employer, I should turn it around and ask them what the range is? Has anybody ever done this with success? Or should I just tell them flat out what my range is?

[roadwarrior101]

If they've insisted on my salary, here is what I've provided:

-Base (current base and expected raise)
-Bonus (target bonus and actual % payout the past couple years - note, actual has been much higher)
-Stock (unvested amount, annual awards the past couple years)

I've also provided the timing for each of these.

When talking on requirements, I don't give a set number, BUT, I do say that I need a compelling total package. They seem to be fine with that. When I haven't given the total amount, I've found that they've given an increase in base, but the other amounts haven't made my total package intriguing.

[ccm123]

Let them bring it up first. Then ask: "what is your salary range for the best candidate?"

[beera]

Good luck, I fought hard and they paid me $13k less than what I really wanted, $3k less than what would have made me happy.

The ONLY reason I don't continue looking is because I'm trying to have a baby and need to stay somewhere for a few years. I figure if after my kids are born and I want to move, then I will. But they have me for at least the next 2-3 years.

[move4ward]

I just give them my current salary and keep applying. I let the companies figure out their best offer or I will move on. My last job hunt was in 2011. I had 2 offers, $12k raise and $20k raise. I didn't want to hold out for a 3rd offer, so I ran with the $20k raise.

[nybbler]

I say if you press them for a range, make the bottom of the range the top of what you think they'd possibly be willing to pay. No point in lowballing yourself.

[EzPeterson]

Originally Posted by StrangeAsAngels

This was brought up early in the process and I have deflected it for a while without talking numbers. I do have a certain amount of money I need to get paid in order for me to be able to afford to accept this job (it will require me to move closer to their offices to avoid a lengthy commute and rent is considerably hire in that area...i live in a metropolitan region).

I've read a lot about this. Some sources say that when salary is brought up by the employer, I should turn it around and ask them what the range is? Has anybody ever done this with success? Or should I just tell them flat out what my range is?

You have a number it would take to get you to move.

You have a number you want.

Assuming "want" is more than "take", give them "want" and walk if the counter is below "take"

[johnp292]

Here's a cautionary tale that will probably be controversial here.

I have an opening I've been trying to fill for a couple of months. Another new employee recommended a coworker from his prior company. I got the résumé, liked what I saw and had HR do an initial screen. They do ask what salary range the candidate is looking for. He went way off the reservation. His candidacy ended right there. We have a wide range for this position, but this guy was way over the top. Unrealistic. That was about a month ago.

Our HR recruiter changed and earlier this week the new HR rep forwarded his résumé to me again, unaware of the prior events. Apparently he applied through our web site this time. I told her what had transpired.

Today we interviewed someone. The interview went very badly, which was very disappointing for all involved. Afterward, the guy who had recommended his friend asked how it went. I told him it didn't go well. He mentioned his colleague was getting nervous, as his current position is contract and is ending. He said he's probably willing to come down to our level ( which is very competitive, by the way). I can't consider him. This is a key position that is going to be a major investment in time and money. I can't take a chance that a new hire would jump ship as soon as he finds a higher salary.

Anyway, the moral is, don't sell yourself short, but don't price yourself out of the game either.