Salary-related questions re: interviewing

[devotchka]

I have a phone interview this wk and I am thinking they might ask me about my previous salary and what I want for the salary in this position. Ideally, I like to get an offer first and then negotiate, but everyone seems to ask up front nowadays, at least in my field. I've definitely encountered it even in the application phase a lot lately and it really annoys me. I am wondering how to talk about this without wedging myself into a weird spot where I have no power to negotiate later. I understand the interviewer wanting to make sure they don't go through all the motions and then end up w/ someone who wants to get paid more than they want to pay, but it's gone from only cheap ass employers doing this to now seemingly respectful medium and large size companies making you jump through this particular hoop. 

With this particular position, I am pretty sure I know their range (they posted it on CL) so they might not ask. However, of course since it's a job from craigslist and they didn't list the name of the company, I am only guessing from looking back on what I applied to and where they said they were located.

Halp!

[Dorothy Zbornak]

I usually say that my salary requirements are based on the entire compensation package the company has to offer ... which buys you a little more time. You could just flat out ask them what their budget for the position is, then let them know whether or not your requirements fit in that range. Or you can tell them how much you make now and how much of an increase (% range) you expect.

[devotchka]

May 28, 2013 3:00:45 GMT -5 Dorothy Zbornak said:

I usually say that my salary requirements are based on the entire compensation package the company has to offer ... which buys you a little more time. You could just flat out ask them what their budget for the position is, then let them know whether or not your requirements fit in that range. Or you can tell them how much you make now and how much of an increase (% range) you expect.

Thanks! I always say the bit about the total compensation package - hadn't thought of asking about the budget for the position. Hilariously, at my last position they told me that up front and asked if I was ok with that and then offered me what was supposedly at the top of that range so I didn't have to do much.

The challenge w/ this position is that it is part time (so prob little to no benefits) and the pay range is far below what I would ideally want for my career - but it would be very close to my house and maybe a convenient way to jump back into working...  

[laurack]

AMAP - as much as possible! haha

Seriously though I am not sure. I would say if they posted the range then you know upfront and are applying so obviously you must be ok with at least the upper range. So if they flat out ask you what your expectations are then answer with the top of their range. Say I was hoping for at least X and I saw in this job posting that was on offer, or something to that effect.

Just because you say you want the top of their range doesn't mean they won't still make you an offer of lower and hope you take it. Then its up to you to decide if you NEED the top of their range and if so, say no thank you as I really can't afford to work for less than X... It's not unreasonable because that amount was listed on the original posting.

[devotchka]

May 28, 2013 8:39:39 GMT -5 laurack said:

AMAP - as much as possible! haha

Seriously though I am not sure. I would say if they posted the range then you know upfront and are applying so obviously you must be ok with at least the upper range. So if they flat out ask you what your expectations are then answer with the top of their range. Say I was hoping for at least X and I saw in this job posting that was on offer, or something to that effect.

Just because you say you want the top of their range doesn't mean they won't still make you an offer of lower and hope you take it. Then its up to you to decide if you NEED the top of their range and if so, say no thank you as I really can't afford to work for less than X... It's not unreasonable because that amount was listed on the original posting.

Thanks! Not looking forward to the interview tomorrow. On the bright side, I have another opportunity that looks really good rt now so maybe this will be another good practice round!

What is AMAP?

[thedahliharpa]

May 30, 2013 22:07:02 GMT -5 devotchka said:

May 28, 2013 8:39:39 GMT -5 laurack said:

AMAP - as much as possible! haha

Seriously though I am not sure. I would say if they posted the range then you know upfront and are applying so obviously you must be ok with at least the upper range. So if they flat out ask you what your expectations are then answer with the top of their range. Say I was hoping for at least X and I saw in this job posting that was on offer, or something to that effect.

Just because you say you want the top of their range doesn't mean they won't still make you an offer of lower and hope you take it. Then its up to you to decide if you NEED the top of their range and if so, say no thank you as I really can't afford to work for less than X... It's not unreasonable because that amount was listed on the original posting.

Thanks! Not looking forward to the interview tomorrow. On the bright side, I have another opportunity that looks really good rt now so maybe this will be another good practice round!

What is AMAP?

Good luck tomorrow!

[devotchka]

May 30, 2013 23:26:39 GMT -5 thedahliharpa said:

Good luck tomorrow!

Thanks!

[Deleted]

Not sure if I'm too late, but I conduct interviews all of the time. 
Like someone already mentioned, I think a good answer to the salary question is always "My W2 in 2012 was $50,000 and I'm looking to make 3-5% more with my career change."  Or something of that nature. 
But, I would not ask what their budget for the position is.  A lot of times, we think we have a budget, but then we really like someone who has higher compensation needs.  We're always able to find more money when we really want to bring the perfect person in.  I think by doing that, you could limit yourself.
HTH!  Good luck & fingers Xed!