What do you indicate when they ask "Salary Requirement"?

NursieNurseLPN, LPN · Nov 29, 2012

Good question. Bc i never know what to put either, i usually write something like: negotiable, or flexible. Lol but dont take my advice bc i havent gotten one of those jobs. But i really hate to leave something blank on an app. Esp in nursing since we should try not to have blanks in documentation. Id be interested in what others say

somenurse · Nov 29, 2012

Great question, just wanted to post so i can follow. I usually write "negotiable" or something similar, too, especially if i have just moved to a new state, i have no idea what that hospital pays their nurses.

but, maybe there are better ideas than "negotiable" ?

Plus, if i were to put in a number, i am not great at negotiating, but, i always heard, start a bit higher than you'd actually settle for, so i get confused, put what number i'd actually take,

or, start a bit higher?

HOPE YOU GET A LOT OF REPLIES TO THIS!! I think you are not the only one who is unsure of best answer to that very common job app question!!!!

Scarlettz, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2012

I usually put 17 -20 dollars if required to put an amount. You might want to see if you can find out the average salary for a newcomer and put something around that amount. I honestly would take a job for $17/hour, as that would be a vast improvement from what I make now. Be honest. I am not sure if I helping or harming my chances. But, I say put down the amount you'd truly accept and work hard for.

anggelRN · Nov 29, 2012

I put a range of what is normal/ acceptable for my experience and area. My last job interview I put 27-30 dollars an hour. I got the job and my salary was in that range.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2012

The purpose of it, I believe, is to see if your requirements match what they are willing to pay. If your minimum salary is $40/hr and they are only willing to pay $25/hr, they are saving both of you a lot of time and aggravation by eliminating you based on that. They don't want to waste time interviewing a nurse who will never be willing to work for what they're willing to pay. I answer that question honestly. When I was applying for jobs earlier this year, I put my expected salary in the $30-$32/hr range since at my old job I was making approximately $31/hr. I wasn't willing to take much of a pay cut and ended up finding a job that fit everything I was looking for.

caffeineaddict · Nov 29, 2012

Thanks guys for the replies. I was told not to leave it blank on the application. I wrote the lowest salary

that I'd be comfortable working for. Needless to say, I haven't heard back from any of them lol:yawn:

Caffeine

T-Bird78 · Nov 29, 2012

I put what I was making at my previous job. Apparently nobody wants to pay that now (17.51/hour) and if they ask I do say that is negotiable. If asked about my lowest acceptable salary I tell them what I started making 5 years ago with no experience and ask for a dollar an hour more than that--I don't want to go backward in my earnings.

PRICHARILLAisMISSED · Nov 29, 2012

"Commensurate with experience"

NursieNurseLPN, LPN · Nov 29, 2012

Pricharilla- yes! Exactly what i try to go for but couldnt word. Always wanted to say: whatever is reasonable for a person with my experience level or something, but seeing as thats way too much to write and doesnt sound professional, i write negotiable. Thank you!

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2012

Have you ever heard the expression he or she who speaks first loses?

LobotRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2012

I guess I might be so gutsy as to contact HR and ask what the starting wage is for a new grad RN in acute care. A number of larger hospitals hire new grads in waves and have a standard start wage for all of them. If you do this, you have an idea of where to start, e.g. add on extra for your years of experience or specialty. Maybe start the phone call with "I have an interview with so and so and have a few basic questions about your standard compensation package...."