THE BEECHMONT CREST CAREER GUIDE:
SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN THE CORPORATE JUNGLE
CHAPTER 4: INTERVIEWING AND CLOSING THE DEAL
"What are your salary requirements?"
Questions about your salary requirements won’t arise in every interview, but the inquiry is far from uncommon. Salary is another area in which job applicants sometimes make statements that they later regret. Think long and hard about your salary requirements before the interview—and give an honest (but tactful) answer if you are asked.
Don’t hint that you would be willing to take a salary below your bottom line. If your minimum requirement is an annual compensation of $60,000, then you don’t serve the company or yourself by indicating a range of “$50,000 to $60,000.” (In this case, their offer will probably be closer to $50,000.)
At the same time, you should research the market rates that are paid to professionals in your field who have similar experience and qualifications. The salary requirements you indicate can be toward the high end of the range—as long as you don’t price yourself out of the market.
Copyright 2006 Beechmont Crest Publishing