When job description asks for salary requirement....

[Anonymous]

I just applied for a job at a professional association as a senior writer. The job description listed the salary range as between 55-77K, but also asked for salary requirements.

I've been freelancing for a couple years since relocating to the area for DH's job and currently make in the middle part of that range, but I was making slightly more (closer to 80K) at the job I left in Boston.

What—if anything—should I have said about my salary requirement in the cover letter? I noted my former salary and said I would like a salary in that range but now worried that it was a mistake. One of my friends in the same field says she would have not said anything about salary. I would be willing to go a little lower as we don't need benefits (have thru DH) and if I could telework 2 days a week, as commute would be bad. But of course I wouldn't talk about any of that unless I got an offer...and wonder if I have foiled my chances at an interview.

FWIW, I am well-qualified for the position...have 20 yrs experience and job description asks for mimimum of 7 yrs.

[Anonymous]

I don't have a response, but I am in a similar boat... just did the exact same thing (though a different field). I did notice that the director of HR looked at my LinkedIn profile right after I sent in my stuff. So I hope that is a positive sign.

[Anonymous]

As an employer, I actually appreciate knowing what you make right now and when asking for salary history, am really looking for wild deviations from what I'm offering. (i.e., I'm not going to interview someone making $150K for a position that pays $60K.) Being off by $10K or $20K is not a deal breaker for me, especially if the candidate has more experience, better credentials, etc. I guess I'm saying I would never eliminate someone from consideration over salary (within reason) if all other factors are strong.

Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

If the top of my salary range I can offer is $77k I do not want someone who is coming from making $76k. They will want the very highest point in my range, and then what do I do after a year when they want a raise? I have no more money.

[Anonymous]

To the PP's comment, it's true - different companies have different amounts of flexibility with salaries. Some are truly locked into a range or budget, while others aren't. Our company is focused on hiring the right person for the job, and if it means spending more than what was originally budgeted for, we will do so if we feel the extra value is there. On the flip side, a candidate making $80K may be willing to accept a position for $75K if the fit is perfect, the company offers good benefits or flexibility, and the work is exactly what s/he seeks. So it goes both ways...and IMO, a variance of this amount (>$10K) shouldn't prevent the conversation from continuing, nor should the candidate be concerned about being upfront about her current or most recent salary.

[Anonymous]

OP here...thanks very much for replies; very helpful!

Funny, I just got an email from Kelly Government Solutions about different job. One of the 5 questions I need to answer:

"State your salary requirements. Negotioable is not an appropriate response."

Alas, this job sounds like the one I had just out of grad school, circa 1990, so I will not waste my (or their) time by applying.