Ask SCS: 

What is your opinion on how best to answer the salary question posed in the on line application form?

Job seekers who apply on line reach the point where this question gets asked and an answer is mandatory in order to proceed further. The dilemma becomes a question of under-selling vs. over-selling. My advice is to avoid applying on line as a first approach to the application process but that's not always possible, so what is the best way to answer the question?

Answer:

My both sides of the coin 

With many online applications, the salary question is very straight forward and unavoidable. Additionally,   if you don’t answer it, you can’t move forward int he application process. Another note, many online applications even request your salary history.
My recommendations below all depends on the situations of each individual; if they are unemployed and for how long, if they have a job and looking to make a move to make more money, if there are changing careers and need a job to break into their new field, if they are taking the job for family medical coverage since their spouse’s company doesn’t offer it and there are dozens of other situations like these.
There is no one set recommendation that works for all except everyone needs to do their homework and research on current salaries and employment trends so you don’t undervalue or over value yourself.

1. If you are asked for your salary history, you need to be truthful when you enter it. There are many methods companies have to check if you are being accurate. Today many companies are even asking for a copy of your W2 for salary proof. But remember when you enter your salary history you need to add in all extras; commissions, bonuses and profit sharing when applicable. Additionally, employers complete background checks any untruths on an application including salary history will end the hiring offer.

2. If you are asked for your salary requirements in a range, I would take your total salary with all extra’s and add about 10% and have that be your starting range then add about 20% to your arrive at your ending range and again this depends on your current situation.

3. If you are asked for a single direct number as your salary requirement then use your current or last total salary and add a % that best fits your needs and situation.(normally 10-15)

4. If you are not asked about salary requirements, I always recommended putting off this conversation as long as possible until you can fully demonstrate your value to them and you can understand their full compensation offerings so both sides have a the full picture of value and worth.

Bottom line: your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and over all interviewing skills need to show how valuable you are, so you can get the best starting salary from your new opportunity and the company feels they are getting a great value in hiring you. You also need to use some common sense if the job you are applying to has a normal range of 60-70K and you are looking to get 130K, you are most likely wasting everyone’s time.

The sad news is that over the past 4-6 years, many companies have taken advantage of the unemployment situations and have been lowering starting salaries and also have been freezing their current employees pay. Many of my working clients haven’t seen a pay increase in 4 plus years.