How to Respond to an Email for Desired Salary
- 1). Avoid negotiating your salary until you have a job offer. A recruiter may ask for your salary requirements early on in the interview process, but tipping your hand can put you at a disadvantage when it comes time to negotiate your salary. If asked for your salary requirements, you can simply tell the recruiter, "I'm sure you have a budgeted range; if you can tell me what that is, I can tell you if it is in line with what I'm seeking."
- 2). If you are pushed to give a figure, give a range based on the industry pay. Use sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) to find out the salary range and tell the recruiter that you would be happy to discuss specifics in person. For instance, you might say, "the salary range for similar positions is between $60,000 and $75,000 per year. I would expect a salary within that range and I would be happy to discuss the particulars in person."
- 3). Ask to speak with the recruiter personally if you receive a request for salary requirements after being offered a job. Simply reply by saying something to the effect of, "I have a salary range in mind, but I would like to find out the particulars of your compensation. I think it would be better to discuss this in person if possible."
- 4). Give a salary range based on comparable jobs if you are pushed for a figure. This gives you room to negotiate. Ask how this compares to the company's budgeted amount and try to find common ground on the area of salary.
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