How To Handle "Money Questions"

What to say, and what NOT to say

On the employment application you will see 2 questions:
1) Current Salary?
Just tell the truth—they can find out easily enough with a background search.

2) Salary Desired?
It is best to leave as "open" or "negotiable."

It is always to the candidate's benefit to leave money out of the equation as far into the hiring process as possible. Quoting a salary that is too high might eliminate your chances for a job you are very interested. Quoting a salary that is too low could cost you the best possible offer.

How to answer the question "What Salary are you looking for?"
You need to have some idea of what you are worth in the market place. The vast majority of employers want to pay you fairly and most managers given the choice will pay on the high side rather than the low side. Keep in mind you are in competition for the position with other candidates. If your salary expectations are out of line given your skills/experience, you will not be considered a serious candidate.

Keep in mind that the employer is looking for several things in the answer to this question.
Employers first need to know if you fit the salary range they have anticipated/budgeted for the job.
Secondly, employers try to determine whether your objectives are focused on the opportunity or simply the money. Employers want people who are committed to the work and the long term.
This is a good time for you to test the employer's openness to discuss their salary expectations. An example of how to do this follows: "The opportunity to join a quality organization in a position where I can make a positive contribution is the important aspect of this position. I believe that if I contribute I will be rewarded fairly. What is the salary range of this position?" You may get a direct answer and you may not. If they give you a salary range, it is appropriate to state your expectations in the form of a range as well. Both sides have an opportunity to negotiate with room for common ground.
© 2007 Knowledge Stream, Inc.