Question...

[wrybread]

...That I thought I'd quickly put out to my LJ list.  When a job application asks for your "Desired Salary", what's the best answer to give?  I'm always a little caught out by that question, I usually say something along the lines of "something above minimum wage, whatever's standard for the position in question, with my ongoing salary being judged

Comments

[cimera]

I think the answer you mentioned above is pretty good...I'm not sure what they can really expect you to say unless you happen to know what the common salary for the position/type of position is :)

[i_chaos_bringer]

If it's an adult job, can ya google it to find what the average pay is? That way you have a price to start from...

It's easier to come down then go up, haggling-wise, but if you set the price too high, they might go elsewhere *unless of course, it's an obviously smart-ass-y sum like $1 000 000*.

[tijnat]

I've never liked that question because you don't want to go too low; on the other hand, you don't want future employers to think that you're out of their price range - or that you're unrealistic. I think I_chaos_bringer is right. Try to find out what the job usually pays, keeping in mind the experience you have, and put down a figure within that price range.