Salary Discussions

Salary Discussions How in the world can you discuss your salary expectations without a full understanding of the job requirements and company benefits available? So why do they (employers)  want to know? The easy answer might be that they want to know whether you are in their price range or not.   Could there be other reasons too?   (For a truly interesting discussion on this and the topic of salary history requests by HR, you have to read Nicks post and comments on Ask the Headhunter) If you are planning on divulging this sensitive data early in the interview, I hope you have done your homework.   Ideally, speaking with people inside that company to get an idea of the range they are currently paying at that company.   If you have been unable to secure that information, then at the very least speak to peers within your occupation to find out the range they   currently see being offered.   If you would like to continue to do research beyond these, you could use any or all of these resources: salary.com payscale.com glassdoor.com Keppie Careers  referenced a new resource available called Jobnob.com.   I ran through it briefly and if you live in a metropolitan area, I think it can be helpful.   Check it out anyway and judge for yourself. We are in unknown waters right now.   My gut tells me that the age old rule of supply and demand will impact the salary ranges being offered.   Be prepared, you may not make as much as you did last time. But that doesnt mean the work you do cant be fulfilling and meaningful, right?