Salary question

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When I fill out the application forms, there is always the question about how much salary I would like to have.

They also asked me the question on the interview. I am not sure what to say, do you think $30/hr is ok to say, or is the average salary in here at the moment lower in a not hospital environment?

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I've always struggled to understand why that's an appropriate interview question... you worry about going too high and looking money hungry... and worry about going too low and undercutting what they were gonna offer.

I think $30/hr is a decent answer. Realistic.

When in doubt, check salary.com

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i'll let my scarcastic humor out for a minute... you could write, "iteijhthaj." which stands for i_ th_ _ ec_ _ _ _ _, i'm j _ _ _ h_ _ _ _ to h_ _ _ a j_ _.

okay, back to being serious.

sometimes i write "open." sometimes i write "commensurate with experience."

per www.merriam-webster.com entry: com-men-su-rate adjective 1 : equal in measure or extent : coextensive proportionate

i like kane slobgob's answer. i'll add to it.

in the interview, i would suggest you say, nicely, and with respect, "i'm not really sure how to answer that. if i go too high, i might look money hungry. if i go too low, i might undercut what you plan to offer." if you decide to say something that, say it while you're looking the manager in the eyes. then, keep looking the manager in the eye, or lower your eyes and look at the desk in front of your interviewer. have a pleasant expression on your face, and keep your mouth shut! don't say um, don't say ah, don't say well, don't say err. don't make any excuses. keep your mouth shut, give the interviewer time to think, and let your interviewer say the next word.

lisa ;-)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

IMHO it's a totally ridiculous question. Most RN staff jobs here are union jobs and you come in at the rate dictated by the contract.

If asked on an applicatiion I would just put "prevailing rate" as an answer. If you think you are worth more (?) or are going for a specialized non-union position or a management job there is room for negotiation but for a staff nurse job?

"Prevailing rate," because that's all you're going to get anyway, no matter what you put on the application or what you say in an interview.

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About a year ago, our hospital had a floor manager's job open up. Someone encouraged me to apply...

When the application asked about expected salary... I said "250K/year".

I never did get that interview. =)

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Specializes in Critical Care.
About a year ago, our hospital had a floor manager's job open up. Someone encouraged me to apply...

When the application asked about expected salary... I said "250K/year".

I never did get that interview. =)

LOL---I also love the question "where do you see yourself in five years?"

I've always wanted to answer "Being fed grapes by some boytoy on the French Riviera."

I've always managed to restrain myself, however. I do need to work.

Interview hint: nurse recruiters rarely appreciate a bizarre sense of humor.

Pity, because if any job ever screamed out for a sense of humor it's nursing.

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Windward: I like your answer of "prevailing rate" a whole lot better than mine. I'll use it in my next application & interview. Thanks for your wisdom; thanks for posting. -- Lisa ;-)

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thanks everybody for the very helpful answer.

Until now I always wrote down a number and felt bad about it, think it is best not to do it; wouldn't change my salary anyway

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