You are filling out a job application when you get to the part of the application that asks about salary requirements. You know what you currently make, and what you would like to make. You want to make more than you do now, but don’t want to ask for a salary that is too much for the position. So how to answer the salary requirements on a job application? Show
Research Appropriate SalariesIt’s common for job applications to ask for your salary requirements. Before you answer, though, you want to be sure you know what the salary range is for similar positions in your geographic area. That way you are not asking for a salary that is too low or too high given those factors and your experience. Do some research on websites such as Bureau of Labor Statistics and Glassdoor to determine the appropriate salary for the job you are applying for. This will help you figure out how to answer salary requirements on a job application. Include a RangeOne way to answer the salary requirements question on a job application is to state a range you are comfortable with. The range should include the lowest salary you would accept and the highest salary you believe is fair given the job responsibilities and your experience. This can be based on what you discovered in your research or based on your personal salary history. Examples: My salary requirement is in the $65,000 to $80,000 range. Based on the job responsibilities and my experience, I would request an annual salary in the range of $70,000 to $90,000. Consider the Total Compensation PackageAnother way to look at salary is the total compensation package. That includes your base annual salary along with any bonuses, benefits and other compensation. Depending on how good the benefits are at the company, you may be willing to consider a lower base salary. This should be stated when you answer the salary requirements on a job application. Example: Given the total compensation package offered by your company, my salary is negotiable. State an Exact NumberYou may have a specific salary in mind when applying for a job. In that case, state the exact number. Again, try to make sure you have researched salaries for similar positions so that the number you state is not too off-base. You can also provide an exact number that is based on your current salary, which you normally want to increase when you move to a new job. Example: Based on the job requirements and my research on similar positions, I would request a salary of $75,000 per year. Given my understanding of the job and my qualifications, the annual salary I have in mind is $80,000. Defer the QuestionNot everyone is comfortable answering salary requirements in a job application. If that is the case, you can answer in a way that defers the question without sounding unprofessional. Example: I look at many variables when considering a new position, including salary. I would be more comfortable discussing salary once you decide I am a suitable candidate for the job. When you are deciding how to answer salary requirements on a job application, do what is most comfortable for you to get the salary you want. Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further When answering desired salary or expected salary questions on an application, the best approach is to write in “negotiable” or keep the field blank. If a numerical response is required, enter “000” and in a notes section, mention that salary is negotiable based on further understanding of the position. When applying for jobs, you may notice that many job applications ask for your desired salary or expected salary for the position. This question refers to the amount that you would like to be compensated for a particular job. Companies ask for salary requirements to help screen potential job candidates in both the application and interview process, but your answer may constrain your earning potential or even cost you the job. Learn how to navigate this application and interview question so that you have the best chance of landing the position and the salary you deserve. See Average U.S. Salaries How To Answer Desired Salary on an Online ApplicationMany job applications ask for your desired salary, but it’s not necessarily in your best interest to answer the question. The most strategic approach is to delay the salary discussion. Depending on the specific requirements of the application, your options for avoiding it may vary. Familiarize yourself with these three answer options so that you’re ready to tackle this question in your next job application.  Option 1: Leave It BlankYour first option for delaying the salary discussion is to leave it blank. The reasoning for this is because any number you choose to specify could limit your salary options or eliminate you from the running in case your answer was out of budget. Check out how both scenarios could play out below. If your specified salary is too high… If your specified salary is too
low… Option 2: Write in “Negotiable”Another option for avoiding the salary discussion early on in the hiring process is to let them know that you’d like to negotiate the salary based on a full understanding of the position. In an application, you can communicate this by simply writing “negotiable” into the field designated for desired salary. Not every application will allow a nonnumerical answer for this question. If that is the case and you can’t submit “negotiable” as your answer, try writing in a number as a placeholder like “000” or “999.” This should satisfy the number requirement without limiting your salary later. When using a numeric placeholder, it’s wise to also specify somewhere in the application under a comments or notes section that salary is negotiable and can be discussed at a later time. Option 3: Identify a Suitable RangeSome applications may require an answer in the form of a range or they may not accept “000” or “999.” If this is the case, your last option is to identify a desired range. It’s important to do some research about salaries for your position and location and to list a range based on the current market value. Start by looking up the median salary for the position and don’t forget to compare it against competitive salaries in your area to determine a reasonable range. How To Answer the Desired Salary Question in InterviewsRemember that you have the best chance of successfully negotiating your salary if you wait until after you’ve shown your value and you’ve been offered the job. Use these tips for delaying the discussion during interviews so that you can secure a salary that matches your worth. Option 1: Postpone the ConversationWhen it comes to the dreaded salary question during an interview, the best strategy is to postpone the conversation, preferably until after you have a job offer. In theory this seems easy, but the pressure of a job interview can make it hard to think on your feet. Prepare a few lines to respond with so that you can adeptly navigate away from this discussion during an interview. Try out one of the examples below:
Option 2: Ask QuestionsAnother way to stall the salary discussion is by asking questions. This option may take some more preparation, but it’s an effective strategy nonetheless. Feel free to divert the question by asking about the budget for the role. You can also inquire about particular job responsibilities that will inform how you determine your desired salary. Some examples of what to ask are listed below:
When To Discuss SalaryAs mentioned previously, the best time to enter into a salary discussion is after you’ve received a job offer. Attempting to negotiate before then will leave you at a disadvantage, especially if other candidates are still involved. If you haven’t been formally offered the position, but think you’re close, ask to confirm where you are in the hiring process with this line:
Once you have a confirmed offer, feel free to negotiate a salary that matches your skills and experience level. Before entering into these discussions, brush up on some negotiation tactics and tips to help you be more persuasive and get the salary you want. When it comes to navigating the hiring process, set yourself up for career and financial success by wisely answering the desired salary question on applications and in interviews. Choosing to leave the application field blank, write in “negotiable,” or use a numeric placeholder will help you postpone the conversation and give you the best chance of getting the job. Additionally, delaying salary discussions in an interview should help you successfully negotiate a better salary once you get an offer. With a salary worthy of your skills and experience, you’ll have more income to save, spend, and grow. Don’t forget to adjust your budget in the Mint app, so that you can stay in control of your finances and keep on reaching your financial goals. Learn more about salary with these resources: Here’s what’s considered a good salary based on averages. Make sure you get competitive pay for your work. Discover how to negotiate a better salary for yourself. Learn the difference between salary vs. hourly. Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further Mint is passionate about helping you to achieve financial goals through education and with powerful tools, personalized insights, and much more. More from Mint Browse Related Articles8 Salary Negotiation tips to Help Increase Your SalaryCompetitive Pay: What It Means and How To Get ItHow To Ask For a Signing Bonus + Tips to Negotiate Ince…Why Employers Are Now Sharing SalariesHow to Negotiate Your Salary: A Guide for Recent GradsHow To Counter Offer Salary [With Email Templates]What Is a Good Salary? And How Do You Compare?25 Best Jobs for Introverts To Feel the Most FulfilledThe Absolute Best Day to Ask for a Raise5 Tips on How to Negotiate an Entry-Level Salary |
How to answer what is your minimum salary requirement
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