Career Connections
Some job postings request salary requirements and say omitting that information will disqualify your application. But the conventional wisdom seems to be "avoid giving a real answer at all costs." Do you have advice for how to approach this situation? — submitted by Anna '09
Answering the salary question in a cover letter can be difficult! You don’t want to provide too high a salary for fear that you will be passed over for the position. You don’t want to provide too low a number for fear that you will be offered a lower salary than they are able to pay you. When possible, state that your salary requirements are negotiable. When you must provide an answer (i.e. an online application that will not let you submit it without filling in salary requirements), you want to give a range from the lowest amount that you would reasonably accept to a bit above your ideal salary.
Some guidelines to follow when writing or talking about your salary requirements:
- Do some research about what the market is paying for your skills and background
- There are many online salary calculators availalbe including one at Career Beam which you can access through MaroonCentral or you can do a google search for salary calculator
- Include a range and be honest with your low end and your high end
- Explain that you would like to discuss salary with them in person at an interview
- Note that you are flexible and that the opportunity is just as important to you as the salary
Make sure that you are prepared with an answer if the question comes up during an interview. Suggested responses include:
- "I was paid well in my last position. The number was in line with my skills, background and the results I delivered for the company. I'm very interested in this opportunity, and I'll be happy to discuss my salary requirements and history when we determine that I'm the right person for the job."
- "I realize you need to be sure my expectations are consistent with the salary range for this position. To ensure that we are on the same page, what is your range for this position."
In the end, you want to make sure that your salary requirements line up with what the company is willing to pay and that you are compensated as well as possible for your skills and background.