Salary requirements

[CrayonOutlines]

It's my understanding that you're not supposed to really discuss salary until a job offer is on the table.  However, a friend of mine has been browsing the want ads and noticed that many businesses are asking candidates to state their salary requirements or salary history when sending in their resumes.  How do you do this?  In the cover letter?  On a separate sheet?  In the resume?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[caranfin]

The advice I've seen is to ignore that request altogether. When the employer asks for a range, say something like "Oh, I'm sure we can come to a reasonable agreement if it gets to that point. But right now I want to talk about... X" (something related to the job duties). Or "I know you have a salary range in mind, and I'm sure it's reasonable. If we both feel I'm suited for the job, I'm sure we'll be able to come to an agreement."

[kingsrings]

I hate it when companies do this. I know they're trying to weed out people who are too expensive for them, but as an applicant, I don't want to tell them what I'll accept because it might be completely different from what they have in mind, and I don't want to get gipped on salary obviously. And when the company asks for salary history-run, run away as fast as you can! They're trying to figure out how to pay you as little as possible.

[Jessie]

The advice I've seen is to ignore that request altogether. When the employer asks for a range, say something like "Oh, I'm sure we can come to a reasonable agreement if it gets to that point. But right now I want to talk about... X" (something related to the job duties). Or "I know you have a salary range in mind, and I'm sure it's reasonable. If we both feel I'm suited for the job, I'm sure we'll be able to come to an agreement."

I'm job-hunting at the moment (graduating in May, WHOOO ::gathers self: and I had a meeting with a prof this morning and he basically said to answer the salary question exactly like you said.

[LadyJaneinMD]

Last time this happened to me, I told him, 'Don't be afraid to make me an offer'. 
He did, and I took the job.

Well, basically, I was unemployed at the time, and *anything* he offered would have been more than I was making at the time!  It all turned out for the best, though.  3 years and 3 company changes later, I'm still here and doing well. (gotta love that contract work)

[CrayonOutlines]

I understand how to answer the question in an interview, but what about when they want it when you apply?  As in they want it when you send in your resume and cover letter?

[caranfin]

I understand how to answer the question in an interview, but what about when they want it when you apply?  As in they want it when you send in your resume and cover letter?

Ignore it.