What To Put For Desired Salary On A Job Application
Summary:
When you’re applying for a job, one of the most challenging questions to answer is: “What is your desired salary?” This question can feel intimidating because it’s difficult to know whether asking for too much or too little could hurt your chances of landing the job. This article breaks down the strategies you need to confidently answer this question, helping you align your response with industry standards and your personal worth.
Determining what to put for your desired salary on a job application can be challenging. This guide explores the importance of research, strategies for answering, and how to navigate potential pitfalls. Understanding how to approach this question can impact your job prospects and salary negotiations.
Why do employers ask for desired salary?
Understanding why employers ask for your desired salary will help you answer this question more effectively. Employers are not just being curious; they are using this question to determine if they can afford to hire you and if your expectations align with what they’re willing to offer. From the employer’s perspective, having this information up front can streamline the hiring process by ensuring they don’t waste time on candidates who are out of their budget. However, for candidates, this question can be a minefield.
Answering too high might price you out of a job you’re qualified for, while answering too low might make you appear less qualified or willing to work for less than you deserve. In some cases, it can also set the tone for future salary negotiations.
Factors to consider before answering
Before you decide what to put for your desired salary, there are several factors to consider:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Industry standards | Each industry has a salary range that reflects the demand, skills required, and average compensation for certain roles. Research what professionals in your field are making to ensure your expectations are realistic. |
| Company size and location | Large companies tend to have bigger budgets for salaries, while smaller businesses might offer lower salaries but other perks such as flexibility or a better work-life balance. Similarly, geographic location plays a role; a job in New York City or San Francisco is likely to pay more than a similar role in a smaller city or rural area. |
| Your experience and education | Consider how your background stacks up compared to other candidates. If you have more experience or a higher level of education than what’s required, you can justify asking for a higher salary. |
We spoke with Pavel Shynkarenko, founder and CEO of Mellow, an HR tech company: “It’s important to consider location, the format of work (remote or in-office), industry, and company size. All of this affects salary. You should analyze the market, but don’t ask for a specific amount just because “someone else in this role is getting paid more.” Instead, ask if your desired salary fits into the company’s budget.
Of course, companies might not always be completely transparent, but asking the right questions can help clarify things. For example, what do you need to do to earn the salary you’re asking for? What responsibilities are they willing to assign you for that salary? This will open up a path to further discussion. Sometimes, it’s easier to start with a lower salary, prove your value, and then ask for a raise. This is more realistic for middle managers, while highly specialized professionals may get a higher offer right away.”
Of course, companies might not always be completely transparent, but asking the right questions can help clarify things. For example, what do you need to do to earn the salary you’re asking for? What responsibilities are they willing to assign you for that salary? This will open up a path to further discussion. Sometimes, it’s easier to start with a lower salary, prove your value, and then ask for a raise. This is more realistic for middle managers, while highly specialized professionals may get a higher offer right away.”
How to research salary ranges
The first step in answering the desired salary question is conducting research. The key is to find reliable salary data that reflects both your job market and level of experience. You can use various online resources to get this information, such as:
- Glassdoor: Glassdoor provides salary estimates based on employee submissions. You can search for salaries by job title and location, giving you a good idea of what to expect.
- Payscale: Payscale offers detailed salary reports based on years of experience, skills, and location, helping you customize your salary expectations to match your unique profile.
- Indeed: Indeed’s salary tool also allows you to browse salary ranges for similar positions, giving you additional data points.
Researching salary ranges for career changes or new industries
If you’re transitioning to a new industry or making a career change, determining the right salary range can be more challenging, especially if you have less experience in the field. In such cases, it’s important to focus on transferable skills and research the salary ranges for entry-level positions in the new industry. Tools like Glassdoor and Payscale can still provide insights into what companies are offering for similar roles. However, you may need to adjust your expectations based on your background and consider how your previous experience might apply to your new field. Networking with professionals in the industry or speaking to recruiters can also provide valuable insights into what salary expectations are realistic for someone making a career transition.
Comparing average salaries across locations for common job roles
When it comes to determining your desired salary, it’s essential to consider the differences in pay for the same job across various locations. The cost of living, demand for certain skills, and company budgets vary significantly by region. For instance, jobs in metropolitan areas with a high cost of living, such as New York City or San Francisco, tend to offer higher salaries than those in smaller cities or rural areas. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a table comparing average salaries for common job titles across different U.S. cities.
| Job Title | Location | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | New York City | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| Chicago | $65,000 – $90,000 | |
| Dallas | $60,000 – $85,000 | |
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| Austin | $85,000 – $120,000 | |
| Seattle | $90,000 – $130,000 | |
| Accountant | Chicago | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Miami | $55,000 – $75,000 | |
| Denver | $58,000 – $80,000 | |
| Project Manager | Los Angeles | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Atlanta | $75,000 – $105,000 | |
| Phoenix | $70,000 – $100,000 |
Best practices for answering the desired salary question
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to decide how to approach the question. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Provide a range: Offering a salary range instead of a specific number gives you flexibility during negotiations. For example, instead of writing “$80,000,” you could write “$80,000 – $90,000,” which allows room for discussion based on the company’s compensation package.
- Be realistic but firm: Ensure your salary range is realistic for the position and reflects your experience level, but don’t sell yourself short. If you’re confident in your skills, a higher range is acceptable.
- Consider total compensation: Don’t forget to include other forms of compensation in your decision-making process. Things like healthcare benefits, bonuses, retirement contributions, and vacation time can add significant value to your overall compensation package.
- Leave it blank (when appropriate): If the application allows, you can leave the salary field blank or write “negotiable.” This strategy is effective if you feel you need more information about the role before committing to a salary figure.
Examples of how to respond
The way you phrase your response to the salary question can significantly impact how it’s received. For example, if you’ve done your research, you might say, “Based on my research and the responsibilities outlined for this role, I believe a salary range of $85,000 to $100,000 is appropriate given my experience and skills.”
If you want to keep your options open, you could respond with, “I am open to discussing salary based on the entire compensation package, including benefits and bonuses.” Lastly, if you’re unsure and prefer to wait for more information, you might say, “I would like to learn more about the specifics of the role before discussing salary, but I’m confident we can come to an agreement that reflects my experience and qualifications.”
Expert Insight
When negotiating salary, go in with a strong sense of your expectations based on what you’ve learned about the role, the market, and your current income. Keep in mind that there may be other factors in addition to base salary such as bonus or stock options. If these forms of compensation are unfamiliar to you, don’t be afraid to ask questions. When leading with a number, it may be helpful to think of what salary might get you excited to transition to a role, and begin with that.
– Celeste Levitt, PhD, Project Manager at ECA Partners
– Celeste Levitt, PhD, Project Manager at ECA Partners
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with preparation, it’s easy to make missteps when answering the desired salary question. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Being too specific: Providing a single number without room for negotiation can limit your flexibility, especially if the employer’s budget is just below your figure.
- Lowballing yourself: Don’t offer a lower salary than you deserve just because you fear pricing yourself out. Lowballing can make you appear underqualified or desperate.
- Failing to research: Not doing the proper research could lead to unrealistic salary expectations, either too high or too low. This can harm your credibility during the interview process.
How to handle salary negotiations
After you’ve submitted your application and made it to the interview stage, the subject of salary will likely come up again. At this point, you’ll have a chance to negotiate based on the offer the employer provides. Here are some tips to keep in mind during salary negotiations:
- Wait for the offer: Let the employer bring up the topic of salary first. This allows you to see their starting point and gives you room to negotiate from a stronger position.
- Be confident: Confidence is key when discussing salary. If you’ve done your research and know your worth, express that clearly and professionally.
- Know when to compromise: If the employer’s offer is lower than expected but includes other attractive benefits, consider compromising on salary in exchange for additional perks like remote work options or additional vacation days.
FAQ
What if I don’t know what to put for desired salary?
If you’re unsure of what to list, it’s best to conduct research on similar roles in your industry and geographic area. If you still feel uncertain, you can leave the salary field blank or write “negotiable” to avoid limiting your options early on.
Can I change my salary expectations after I submit the application?
It’s possible to change your salary expectations during the interview process, especially if new information about the job role or company comes to light. However, changing your salary expectations drastically after submitting an application may reflect poorly on your ability to research or negotiate effectively. That’s why providing a flexible range in the application is a smart move.
Should I include benefits in my salary expectations?
Yes, it’s essential to consider the total compensation package when discussing salary. Sometimes a lower base salary is offset by comprehensive benefits, bonuses, or stock options. Be sure to factor in health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks when assessing your overall compensation.
What if the employer’s budget is lower than my salary expectations?
If the employer’s budget doesn’t match your salary expectations, ask if there is room for negotiation. In some cases, they may not be able to offer a higher salary but might compensate with additional benefits or bonuses. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate if the role is worth considering based on the full compensation package.
Is it okay to ask for too much?
It’s important to aim high but remain realistic. Asking for a salary that is significantly higher than industry standards can disqualify you from consideration. However, asking for a salary within the upper range of industry standards based on your experience is acceptable, especially if you can back it up with strong qualifications.
Key takeaways
- Research salary ranges using reliable sources such as Glassdoor, Payscale, and BLS to set realistic expectations for your desired salary.
- Offering a salary range, rather than a specific figure, provides flexibility in negotiations.
- Consider total compensation, including benefits, bonuses, and perks, when calculating your salary expectations.
- Negotiation is key—know when to be confident and when to compromise based on the offer and overall compensation package.