Question about salary

[Saint Nick]

When a job doesn't post a salary range on a job posting, how do you know how much money to ask?

Here is an example of a job I applied for. Pretty entry level IT work. I was thinking probably between $35,000 and $40,000. I live in the Midwest.

Key Accountabilities for this Role:
- Provide desktop and software support for all users.
- Setup and configure new users and desktops.
- Create reports for Rapport and Infolease systems.
- Setup and maintain documents for Rapport.
- Provide Infolease support, and assist with projects.
- Monitor and adjust settings for email spam filtering.
- Exhibit professional behavior and promote positive working relationships.
- Understand and adhere to all company policy, laws, and regulations applicable to role.

Other Qualifications:
-Associates degree or Bachelor's Degree and/or 1-2 years related experience in IT field.
-Knowledge of the following programs and technologies:
--Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat
--XML, Crystal Reports, IT Certifications, and Infolease a plus.
--Previous helpdesk experience preferred.
--Strong communication skills. Includes communicating effectively with all users in a professional and helpful manner.
--Strong self starter and ability to work independently. Includes taking action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of the issues.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

When a job doesn't post a salary range on a job posting, how do you know how much money to ask?

You don't. You wait for them to give you an offer.

 

[slayer202]

You don't. You wait for them to give you an offer.

a lot of listings ask you to submit salary requirements. its a douchey move. not giving them a number could mean they just pass you up right away. basically I would suggest to give them a number you would agree on, or start there and adjust it a bit

 

[IndyColtsFan]

a lot of listings ask you to submit salary requirements. its a douchey move. not giving them a number could mean they just pass you up right away. basically I would suggest to give them a number you would agree on, or start there and adjust it a bit

Yes, and as I said, you don't give it. At best, you put a salary range; at worst, you put "Negotiable." If they insist on it, they're using it to filter you out so you might as well go big.

And then we have the second category -- companies requiring salary histories. If I see a company requesting salary history in their ad, I will either 1) ignore their request and apply anyway or 2) won't apply. I once told someone when they asked that if she would share her salary history with me, I'd share mine.

 

[nickbits]

If it asks for requierments, you put negotiable.

 

[her209]

Go to any salary comparison site and add 10 thousand to the average salary. Why 10 thousand? Just because.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

market?

 

[spidey07]

Never, never, ever, ever give a number first.

 

[Saint Nick]

Good advice Indy, spidey...pretty much everyone in the thread. Thanks. If they contact me back, I'll kindly ask them to present a salary or salary range.

I've applied for quite a few jobs the past couple weeks, and most of them don't have the salary posted. I've only held hourly jobs my whole life, so this is a new game for me.

 

[Homerboy]

Good advice Indy, spidey...pretty much everyone in the thread. Thanks. If they contact me back, I'll kindly ask them to present a salary or salary range.

I've applied for quite a few jobs the past couple weeks, and most of them don't have the salary posted. I've only held hourly jobs my whole life, so this is a new game for me.

That's because it's a hire-er's market. 1 job 1000 applicants. They can find a handful that fit the bill easily and pick the lowest priced one.

Welcome to a shitty job market.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

I remember being asked aobut pay once and I said I'd want atleast $4K (starting, noob to software). They said that is the kind of pay people with 20 years experience get. That was a fun conversation.

 

[Lotheron]

I remember being asked aobut pay once and I said I'd want atleast $4K (starting, noob to software). They said that is the kind of pay people with 20 years experience get. That was a fun conversation.

20 years in and $4K? Man, and I thought I was getting ripped.

To the OP, as said, don't give out a number first. You definitely don't want to sell yourself short. Pay ranges can be wide even in the same industry/city..

 

[TheStu]

On top of not bringing up a number first, don't even mention the salary at all first. Don't ask about what it would be, or what the range is or anything like that.

 

[moshquerade]

Never, never, ever, ever give a number first.

What if on the app it asks your salary at previous jobs?

 

[Saint Nick]

On top of not bringing up a number first, don't even mention the salary at all first. Don't ask about what it would be, or what the range is or anything like that.

So, just go through the interview and wait for them to bring it up?

 

[spidey07]

What if on the app it asks your salary at previous jobs?

Then put N/A. What I make at my current job is not applicable at all to what you're going to pay me. They are not related and it is none of their business.

 

[moshquerade]

Then put N/A. What I make at my current job is not applicable at all to what you're going to pay me. They are not related and it is none of their business.

Hmmmm.... well they have a spot for the past three employers and beside each they have a place for "rate of pay". I wonder if it'll make them a bit ticked if I put N/A in each spot, because it is applicable. They want to see how much they can low ball me.

 

[spidey07]

Hmmmm.... well they have a spot for the past three employers and beside each they have a place for "rate of pay". I wonder if it'll make them a bit ticked if I put N/A in each spot, because it is applicable. They want to see how much they can low ball me.

Well you could always put some outlandish figure like 3-4 times what you're making now and if they ask about it just say "that's what I want to make, how bout you make me an offer and we can go from there?"

 

[her209]

Hmmmm.... well they have a spot for the past three employers and beside each they have a place for "rate of pay". I wonder if it'll make them a bit ticked if I put N/A in each spot, because it is applicable. They want to see how much they can low ball me.

You think they'd be more ticked if you put "bi-weekly"...

 

[moshquerade]

Well you could always put some outlandish figure like 3-4 times what you're making now and if they ask about it just say "that's what I want to make, how bout you make me an offer and we can go from there?"

i think that might be a sure way of not getting an interview. . . :|

 

[her209]

i think that might be a sure way of not getting an interview. . . :|

Meh. If the employer was going to low-ball you based on your current pay, would you want to work there anyways?

 

[spidey07]

i think that might be a sure way of not getting an interview. . . :|

I was pushed to name a number first one time. And I finally caved and told them some outlandish number 70-80% more than what I was making. They came back and made an offer for more than that number. They came back over the top, guess they really wanted me.

 

[moshquerade]

Meh. If the employer was going to low-ball you based on your current pay, would you want to work there anyways?

don't they normally try to negotiate starting at a lower rate?

 

[thegimp03]

Wait for them to make an offer and see if they have any flexibility. If it's lower than you expected and you really want the job, then ask them if they are willing to match what you were thinking or at least halfway...

 

[moshquerade]

I was pushed to name a number first one time. And I finally caved and told them some outlandish number 70-80% more than what I was making. They came back and made an offer for more than that number. They came back over the top, guess they really wanted me.

what was that in real figures?