Curious how others handle the question of expected salary while filling out an application.

Anonymous

June 20,2022 at 7:36PM UTC

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Curious how others handle the question of expected salary while filling out an application. I've encountered it twice now and tbh I am uncomfortable putting in a number or range until I learn more about the role. One company it was a required field to fill in ( so I entered "I'd love to discuss when I learn more about the role!") , the other was optional but I felt it would disqualify me if I didn't put in an amount. That field only allowed one figure and not a range so I did midpoint from Glassdoors range adjusted for my state.

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AnonymousJune 20,2022 at 9:09PM UTC
If you have to put a value, always put up to 15% higher than what you requested. Because sometimes their offer is negotiated from that amount. You can always negotiate an offer before signing it. So don't let it bug you
Susan RoblesJune 20,2022 at 10:28PM UTC
I put negotiable when able, or if I need to put a number I put a real number that is my true expected salary. It is hard to figure out what is a real salary. Really wish companies would post a realistic range.
JJJune 21,2022 at 12:12AM UTC
I just put my expected salary. If it scares them away then they are not the right fit.
AnonymousJune 21,2022 at 2:06PM UTC
Know your worth before they set your value. I accepted an offer and asked for more and got it..now my current company is wanting to counter offer.
Nicole DupuisJune 21,2022 at 2:49PM UTC
Unfortunately, men tend to over estimate their salary and qualifications while women tend to underestimate. I think it’s important to ask for what you think is reasonable. It might be uncomfortable but just giving an answer shows that YOU have expectations and standards, just like jobs do. Good luck!!
Monica Lynn SadlerJune 21,2022 at 7:12PM UTC
If possible, I always put TBD and negotiate later. On the other hand, I always look for positions that I know are paying within the range I am interested. Good luck to you!
AnonymousJune 22,2022 at 2:07PM UTC
Salary.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Payscale.com are all great resources for finding salary estimates and ranges for jobs you are looking into. Be realistic but also don't short change yourself. If they aren't willing to pay you what you deserve then you might not want to work for them (as long as you are being realistic).
Only put it if it is required, and put the salary you are truly hoping to get if you can't put a range. It is better to wait and ask them what the range is for the position when speaking with a recruiter initially or that initial interview. Also, check into your states salary transparency laws as well for when you do ask recruiters or in initial interview. That way you know whether they have to tell you or not.
AnonymousJune 24,2022 at 1:51PM UTC
I completely agree! During my search, I uncovered that I was being underpaid by $50-70K vs. my peers. Think about that! I knew I was underpaid, but I thought it was by about $30K. If you know that others with the same skills are being paid X, don't explain away to yourself why you are worth less than them. I do agree with coming up with a range and looking at the resources mentioned above. And then use that midpoint when applying.
EXCEPT, if they provide a range on the job description and it is higher or lower than your range, keep that in mind. Decide whether you are willing to go lower, then go at the top of the range, and if it's higher you have to make a judgment call but don't feel obligated to come in at the very bottom. It is not likely to make you more desirable to them.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 24,2022 at 2:18AM UTC
A lot of ATS systems have switched from letting you free type in the salary box (where you could put negotiable or open) to requiring a number.
If I'm required to put in a number, I always try 000000