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What's Your Salary Requirement?

A common goal for applying to a new job is a salary increase. Yet many job seekers have a hard time stating salary requirements. According to one Twin Cities human resource management consultant, honesty is the best approach.

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: May 22, 2006 - 8:50 AM

Job seekers apply or interview for a new position with a few common goals in mind. Among them are greater job satisfaction, an opportunity to move up the career ladder, and, of course, a salary increase. But for most of us, when it comes time to state the salary we want, we struggle to give a direct answer.

The best thing to do is to be honest, say both Arlene Vernon (www.arlenevernon.com), president of Eden Prairie-based HRx Inc., and Kyle Krzmarzick, Minneapolis-based area manager for CDI Professional Services (www.cdicorp.com).

"Don't lie about what you're making or what you're seeking," says Vernon, who works as a human resource management consultant and trainer for small- to medium-size businesses.

"It's been my experience that for the majority of positions, the candidate should just respond truthfully with what they're making," says Krzmarzick, whose company offers engineering, IT and professional staffing solutions for Fortune 1000 clients. "If you're not happy with what you're making, be honest and let the interviewer know. If they feel they can make an offer that is more to your liking, they'll do it. Most applicants feel like they need to keep it a secret, or even lie about it. That isn't the right way to set the tone going into a job."

If you're an entry-level person, let the employer know that you have not worked in the field and your salary requirements are open, says Vernon. If you're making $50,000 and can't live on any less than that, let the interviewer know that you are making this amount and you anticipate increasing your income with this next position. If you're flexible and just want a job, then tell the interviewer you're making $50,000 but are flexible and can fit into the organization's salary structure, she adds.

When Vernon conducts phone interviews, the second question she asks candidates is related to the salary they are expecting.

"If I ask for a salary and they don't give one, they may not get further in the process," says Vernon.

This is a weekly column devoted to career betterment. Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has eight years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.