Answering the Dreaded Salary Question When Applying Online
There is perhaps no question that strikes more fear in the heart of a job applicant than “what is your required/desired salary?” Answer too high, and you might price yourself out of a job. Answer too low, and you may leave money on the table. Don’t answer at all, and you risk not making it past the screening process. Things get even more complicated when you apply online, because it’s much harder to employ the recommended interview approach – which is to avoid bringing the topic up, and deflect the question if directly asked. Here are some strategies that can help you turn the online salary situation from hazardous to hired.
If there is a salary box that requires a number, you really only have two choices. You can put down the lowest salary you are willing to take – but such “lowballing” could cost you money if you do get the job. Or you can be honest and put forth the salary that you want/expect. The danger here is that you could end up pricing yourself out of reach. You can minimize this risk by doing diligent research on sites such as Salary.com or Payscale to gauge the going rate, as well as scouring the Internet for job postings similar to what you are applying for, and checking for listed salaries. Be sure to factor in geography if you take this route.
If the salary box is open-ended, you have more options – and more potential risks. Ignoring the question may be tempting, but is your worst choice, as you can be dinged for not following directions. Also, some electronic applications will make expected salary a required field. You can simply put “negotiable”, although this can make you look evasive or desperate. Another option is to put your salary history, although if it is higher than the hiring organization has budgeted, you may get shut out of an interview. You can reduce this risk by adding that if the job is satisfying and rewarding, then money is not your primary driver.
The best choice is usually to enter a salary range, but you should be careful not to couch it as the range you are willing to take, but rather as the range being offered for positions that you are currently considering. This answers the question without locking you personally into a dollar amount. As mentioned above, you will want to do serious research so that you can give a fair, realistic range. You can also add that for you, compensation includes not only salary and benefits, but also work environment and advancement opportunities.
Do you have a great way to handle the sticky salary question? Share it with us in the comments section below! And for more strategic advice on dealing with difficult – or not so difficult – issues when interviewing for IT jobs, contact the specialized recruiting professionals at Triumph Services today!
