When asked for salary requirements, it’s best to say “negotiable” or list a high-end amount. Let the employer start the salary negotiation and don’t convey desperation. If a company offers a non-negotiable salary, ask about future raises.
If you’ve ever applied for a job, you’ve probably been asked to state your salary requirements. This is essentially the amount of money you will be working for a given job. Most experts suggest that you certainly don’t list the lowest amount as that is the rate at which you are likely to be hired. Instead, it’s much better to let a company open salary negotiations with you after you’ve been hired. When salary requirements are asked, the default answer should be “negotiable” rather than a specific number.
If you absolutely must state salary requirements, you should almost always recommend an amount greater than you would reasonably be willing to work. The final hiring process should include a salary discussion. Check industry rates for your field and experience level, and list high-end salary requirements where absolutely necessary. Of course, if you’re desperate for work, you might be willing to take a lower wage to get a job, but you should start by asking out loud and then agreeing to take less. On the other hand, do not state excessively high salary requirements, as a company may consider you too expensive.
Many people don’t realize that salary requirements are all about negotiation, in many cases. When offered a job, unless the job has already stated your salary, let the employer start by offering a salary. If it’s smaller than you like, express it in a kind, non-defensive way. A statement like “I’m disappointed and I really think X value is a more appropriate rate for my experience and skills” is one way to start the salary negotiation.
Employers can count on your desperation when trying to hire you, but you may not be desperate for a job. When you discuss salary, you don’t want to convey desperation, but sincere thanks for a job offer. Once you’ve been “unofficially hired”, start asking for a pay rate above what you want and, if reasonable, expect employers to meet you halfway there. It may help to know if there is a salary cap for your job, as this can help with your decision on whether a job is worth taking.
Getting hired should always be the first objective, with salary requirements discussed as the last step. When a company says, “We want you,” you get a negotiation tool. What remains to be discussed is how much a company is willing to pay to get it. Also, if you’re not desperate, keep in mind that it might take a day or two to finalize the paycheck. The person who conveys that you have been hired may not be authorized to increase salary amounts. It’s okay to wait, when possible, to discuss your suggestion for a higher salary with the people who make salary decisions. In most cases, companies issue a counter-offer, after you state your inability to accept a job at the rate the company first suggests.
There are some circumstances where a company only offers a non-negotiable salary. In these cases, you might ask how long it would take to be considered for a raise and what the company’s standards are for giving raises. If you really need a job right away, it may be better to accept the offered salary than to wait any longer, as chances are you won’t get more.
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