by Torsky Dobson-Arnold
Sometimes when I answer a job announcement, potential employers request that I list my salary requirements. I am afraid that I will list a salary that will disqualify me from the pool of applicants asked for an interview. How should you approach this request from employers?
– Mr. Eager to Get Back to Work
You raise a valid inquiry as more employers request to know an applicant’s salary requirements. It appears as though your goal right now is to get back to work as soon as you can, so I can understand your willingness to be flexible in salary.
When applying for jobs and researching prospective employers, it would be a great idea to determine what the “going rate” is for a particular position. Much of this information can be researched and reviewed at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Here you can review wages based upon a specific occupation or specific geographical area anywhere in the United States. This can help you determine a comparable salary to consider for this request.
Other websites that can be used to review salaries for specific jobs are salary.com and payscale.com. Here you can take your research a step further in applying criteria specific to you as it relates to years of experience, education and even the size of the company you are applying for.
Finally, it is my professional opinion that you should list a salary range rather than a single dollar amount. This allows you the flexibility to negotiate salary as you move along in the recruitment process. During this time, you will learn more about the extent of responsibilities and workload that can guide you in your final decision.
Wishing you nothing but success, Torski Dobson-Arnold, The Career Confidence Coach
Send your questions to torski@urbanviewsweekly.com
