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

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Hi,

I have applied to a few places who ask "Salary Requirement"?

What is the purpose of this? Don't they know their budget or is this a way

to weed out the expensive? I did not want to put too little or too much but geeze...

They also ask for a specific figure and not leave the answer blank.

Thanks in advance:nurse:

Caffeine

Specializes in ED.

I've worked retail for many years, and was put in charge of weeding out applications at one time. If someone was asking for pay that was FAR above what that position started out at (say a cashier applicant requesting $12 an hour when average starting pay is $8 an hour), we tossed it out. We figured they'd walk out when they heard what we could really offer them anyways, and there were always more applicants that were asking for less, and were more realistic. So my advice is to find out what typical new grad start pay is. Ask around. In my area, it's about $19 an hour base pay. So $19 an hour is what I asked for.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I find out what the going rate is for someone with comparable skills and experience, then go a dollar or so on either side.

I've always put, "average starting pay."

Because...even though I typically know how much the average starting pay is, things change. I wouldn't want to put down $19 only to find out they recently changed the entry pay to $20 because if they did, they would still offer me $19.

Plus, just because your friend said they started out at $19 doesn't mean they won't pay you more....like if you have a BSN or if you worked for a year as an intern...it might be $1 more for a BSN or 50 cents more if you have experience as an intern or a CNA. You just never know.

I think saying "average starting pay" tells them that you expect to make what they pay everyone else with your experience, education, etc. No more, no less.

Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

Putting a dollar amt on salary requirements is merely a starting point in negotiations.

I used to lowball the number I'd work for, then feel cheated when that's what I was offered. I put down what I earn at my current job. It's then up to HR to decide what they'll pay.

Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.

Well, if you don't want to put "negotiable," then put "ALL OF IT." :uhoh3::uhoh3::uhoh3:

I always wrote "negotiable" or something of that nature.

For me honestly, pay was not and has not been the biggest factor... I left my first nursing job for a job that paid $6/hour less than my first...and it was only a couple dollars an hour more than my previous job as an assistant... When applying for my current job I put 'negotiable'. My first offer of pay was about $2/hour more than my previous job, and then before I started (I'd imagine once they verified experience) it came up another $0.80/hour. And we just had a market adjustment, so I got another $1/hour raise. So considering I work more hours now, I'm better off than my first job and way better off than my second job :)

I usually just write open, meaning im open to what they offer

I've also filled out online applications before where it won't LET you type in anything like "negotiable" or "average starting pay," so in that case I've always put zeros to fill in the number blanks. I don't like putting a number, but they won't let you turn in the application if you leave it blank. Besides, they won't ever discuss pay during the interview (not here, anyway) so why should they HAVE to know an exact figure before interviewing.

It's kind of crazy. I called a hospital today to let them know that I accepted a job somewhere else so they'll quit calling and processing my application. They didn't seem happy, but my gosh...I interviewed a month ago, and even though they told me they wanted to hire me, they STILL haven't given me an official written offer or even mentioned what the pay would be. I know the process is slow because it's a state facility, but do they really expect people to just wait around and turn down other jobs without even knowing how much they pay?

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!

Any time

I was always weirded out when this question was on an application. I usually stated "negotiable."

However.... when I was phone interviewed by HR (before the nurse mgr interview), I stated what I made at my last job, and stated that I would like to make similar to that, however I did not want salary from getting in the way of having a great experience at this new hospital.

So, I got the job, and I got a higher rate than the new grad/ Nurse I rate.

:)

I was always weirded out when this question was on an application. I usually stated "negotiable."

However.... when I was phone interviewed by HR (before the nurse mgr interview), I stated what I made at my last job, and stated that I would like to make similar to that, however I did not want salary from getting in the way of having a great experience at this new hospital.

So, I got the job, and I got a higher rate than the new grad/ Nurse I rate.

:)

Awesome ;)

Great response, Caffeine

LOL,

If I only could;)

Caffeine

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