How to answer: 'What is your required salary?'

[skaredykat]

I'm currently in a very secure job in the Higher Education sector on a good salary, with good benefits, but it's been annoying me for a while so I'm itching to move. My skills are professional/technical. There are lots of roles out there in many different sectors but I'm risk averse and the "safest" jobs in terms of role description and employer don't pay enough to justify the move. Today I've seen a private sector job that interests me, is a step up in responsibility, but well within my capability and experience. The application form asks "What is your required salary?" I can certainly put down a minimum that would tempt me to move, but if that is less than what they're willing to pay, will they be honest and offer me more?

(I know none of you can know the answer to this, but maybe you can tell me your experiences of similar situations and help me to decide how to approach the question).

Put down a fair but ambitious salary

Can you find similar jobs which advertise a salary?

Do what a man would do ie tell them the salary you want and expect to achieve. As woman we still seem afraid of being seen as being 'grabby' etc with regards to salary. I'm just at final stage interview process and in the first round of casual chats told them my expectation, that was slightly over their expectations but I'm at 3rd and final stage this week so it obviously hasn't harmed my chances.
Do some research on the market rate for the role but please don't undersell yourself!

"What's your best offer?"
Otherwise, if you're not feeling like negotiating, just put a number that's higher than what you're currently on?

"Can you tell me what the range is for this role?" Is usually a good one.

I'd say at least 5k more than what you earn now

15% more than you’d accept

At least 10-15% more than what you are on. Bear in mind other benefits like pension, holidays etc.

I usually add 10k to what I really want so there is room to negotiate of in asked in person. The going rate for someone of my experience 🙂

Never put the minimum, it gives you no room to negotiate. Plus private will be much much higher than your current education. Plus this is step up. Please go much much higher than you are thinking.

I always put the amount that I know to be a "fair" market rate, whilst also factoring in my level of experience.