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All We Perceive
Sea Cucumber



Registered: 09/24/07
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how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter?
#20971711 - 12/13/14 03:23 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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I'm applying to a job that asks for "salary requirements" in the cover letter. How does one decide how much to ask for? Do you shoot high and negotiate? My mom has always said just to put "negotiable" but that seems to avoid the request entirely. Thoughts? What do you do?
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"plus they atually think jambands are good or sumthing, so they clearly know absolutely nothing about music, clearly lol" -Bassfreak
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memes
Blessed



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Loc: In a Tree
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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: All We Perceive]
#20971714 - 12/13/14 03:24 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Look for hte industry standard for the job, multiply it by the cost of living index for your area (if you're in a big city). explain your methodology in a quick sentence.
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nicechrisman
Interdimensional space wizard



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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: All We Perceive]
#20971760 - 12/13/14 03:34 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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I've always used "negotiable" there. I'd rather discuss it face to face than have someone make a snap judgement about me because of a cover letter.
-------------------- "Cosmic Love is absolutelely ruthless and highly indifferent: it teaches its lessons whether you like/dislike them or not." John C. Lily
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rackem



Registered: 11/27/09
Posts: 14,024
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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: All We Perceive]
#20971774 - 12/13/14 03:38 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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id shoot high, and say negotiable as well.. cover both
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JesusIsLord
Jesus freak


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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: All We Perceive]
#20971793 - 12/13/14 03:42 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
All We Perceive said: I'm applying to a job that asks for "salary requirements" in the cover letter. How does one decide how much to ask for? Do you shoot high and negotiate? My mom has always said just to put "negotiable" but that seems to avoid the request entirely. Thoughts? What do you do?
Your mom is right. Whoever throws a number out first loses. Wait for them to make an offer, and you make a counteroffer.
The job before my current one - I negotiated 5 more dollars an hour over their first offer, and 7 dollars an hour after 90 days. It pays to negotiate. I often shoot for 25% over their initial offer, or something to that effect. Because they will drop it back and hopefully it settles around 10-15% over.
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And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.
Edited by JesusIsLord (12/13/14 03:48 PM)
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badchad
Mad Scientist

Registered: 03/02/05
Posts: 13,379
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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: memes]
#20971948 - 12/13/14 04:34 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
memes said: Look for hte industry standard for the job.
This. Ideally, you'd put yourself in the ballpark of the "average" salary for the position, more or less depending on your experience and/or cost of living. You can opt to shoot a bit low to try and get your foot in the door.
You should have ample room to negotiate. As I gained more work experience and skill, I've found benefits are a HUGE factor to consider in how lucrative the compensation for a job is. So you can always adjust your answer based on the benefits package offered.
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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fbi365
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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: badchad]
#20972104 - 12/13/14 05:14 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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I think the best way to approach this is to defer the salary negotiations until later. It's too early to be talking money in a cover letter. Even if they ask, just write negotiable and that you are willing to discuss salary in person. something like that.
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Patlal
You ask too many questions



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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: fbi365]
#20972161 - 12/13/14 05:29 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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I truly hate that question.
If you aim too low the company will screw you over, if you aim too high the company will skip over you.
Also, when they ask how much you made in your previous jobs I write down "Fuck off, its none of your business"
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Ayahuascasoul
Stranger


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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: All We Perceive]
#20972320 - 12/13/14 06:10 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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What is the job you are applying for?
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psi
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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: Patlal]
#20972328 - 12/13/14 06:12 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
Patlal said: Also, when they ask how much you made in your previous jobs I write down "Fuck off, its none of your business"
Have you had much success with that approach?
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All We Perceive
Sea Cucumber



Registered: 09/24/07
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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: Patlal]
#20972380 - 12/13/14 06:25 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
Patlal said: I truly hate that question.
If you aim too low the company will screw you over, if you aim too high the company will skip over you.
Also, when they ask how much you made in your previous jobs I write down "Fuck off, its none of your business"
Yeah, even if I put "negotiable" they may skip over me for people who put a number. Dunno. I think I'll just put negotiable.
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"plus they atually think jambands are good or sumthing, so they clearly know absolutely nothing about music, clearly lol" -Bassfreak
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coAsTal
Friend



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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: All We Perceive]
#20972411 - 12/13/14 06:34 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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There are many industry salary calculators online that are useful, just google the terms.
Also, it's important to factor in your location, as there are sometimes big variances in pay dependent on where you are-
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Shroomopotamus
Happy Mushrooming



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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: coAsTal]
#20972856 - 12/13/14 08:17 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Put "Fair pay" or "Whatever's fair"
-------------------- * Live by the mushroom, die by the mushroom
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If a time comes where I fail to appear I've been abducted and I will miss you all Please smile and pet puppies as often as possible Be happy Be nice (<3);}
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coAsTal
Friend



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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: Shroomopotamus]
#20972951 - 12/13/14 08:45 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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That could be an invitation for a lowball... I guess it depends on the company.
OP-- you never mentioned your level of qualification for this job-- are you new to the field you're applying for or are you experienced?
If you've got elements of familiarity with the job, you should reflect that in your salary expectations-- if you are green to that industry and there isn't any direct or indirect work you've done that would help you advance quickly in this jobs learning curve, you might be more conservative in your number.
Ultimately, the others in the thread are right-- the best thing is to impress them in person without the need for a number... but if you have to pick, use the online tools to make an educated guess and adjust it up or down bassed on your experience.
Good Luck!!!
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mpd
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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: coAsTal]
#20972978 - 12/13/14 08:52 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Never throw out a number. It's gosh.
-------------------- There is no truer calling for mankind than that of true conservatism.
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DragonChaser
Ice in Her Ass and Pussy



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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: mpd]
#20973164 - 12/13/14 09:35 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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It's generally
what you would like
minus 40%.
-------------------- My name is Mud
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teamkiller
ghetto drama whore


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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: mpd]
#20973171 - 12/13/14 09:37 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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put what you actually want to make, based on what other people in similar position make.
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DragonChaser
Ice in Her Ass and Pussy



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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: teamkiller]
#20973191 - 12/13/14 09:43 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
teamkiller said: put what you actually want to make, based on what other people in similar position make.
That useless tidbit has already been said.
OP, think of a number you'd like.
Minus 40%.
-------------------- My name is Mud
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Ayahuascasoul
Stranger


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Re: how to calculate how much to ask for in cover letter? [Re: Ayahuascasoul]
#20973194 - 12/13/14 09:44 PM (9 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
Ayahuascasoul said: What is the job you are applying for?
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