If the range states 120K and you used to make 115K and you meet all the criteria, there is no reason not to ask for 120K. Not doing so would make you seem suspicious or desperate to land something.

Anonymous wrote:Don’t shoot too high, this is an entry role. And you are unemployed.

This is OP and I can afford to be choosy about my next role/I have time to decide where I want to work. This area has a serious lack of credible talent/workforce, which is in my favor, but pay tends to be low even for the MCOL area. I guess my thing is - this is a surgical practice. Self pay only. $$$. Particularly with having an advanced degree I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for close to what I was making before. Otherwise why would they articulate a range going up to 120?

(And before anyone states the obvious, I know businesses always look for the least expensive option.)

Don’t shoot too high, this is an entry role. And you are unemployed.

Research to determine the going rate for your education and specific work experience. Do not negotiate against yourself and ask for less than you think your experience is worth. Also, you can respond "negotiable" and wait until you better understand the responsibilities and the total compensation. That number most likely does not include annual bonus consideration.

I was in this situation before and I indicated I wanted to keep making six figures.

Dropped from $110K at old job to $101.

Job was a terrible fit anyway. That they would have preferred someone a lot cheaper was a clue.

Anonymous wrote:In my estimation, the salary range of $65,000 to $120,000 suggests that the difference might be based upon number of years experience in this, or a closely related, practice area.

Agree with this. I expect they are looking to expect to start someone at $65,000.

In my estimation, the salary range of $65,000 to $120,000 suggests that the difference might be based upon number of years experience in this, or a closely related, practice area.

Anonymous wrote:I’m an MBA in healthcare interviewing for a practice administrator position at a cosmetic surgery practice (recently was laid off from my consulting role). I am in a MCOL area. The ad states a preference for an MBA/MHA - check - and the salary starts at 65k. However, in the ad they state that compensation could be up to 120k. I was making 115 in my last role. Is shooting for 100k reasonable? Should I ask for 110? TIA.

In this case, and I usually don't recommend it, I think that you should share the salary for your last role. If they want you, they are not going to want you to take a big pay cut.

Also, absent experience in this specific area, it might be wise to stay below the maximum as an employer might view this as a potential flight risk for more money elsewhere. Employers should be convinced that you really want this job.

Depending upon your financial situation and the likelihood of other offers, consider anything from $96,000/$8,000 per month to $108,000/$9,000 per month.

Sometimes it helps to explain your prior salary/earnings of $115,000 per year in the context of your expenses. I now of several individuals who negotiated in this manner after receiving a low offer.

Yes, asking for $100,000 seems reasonable, but it would also be reasonable to ask for $108,000 to $112,000 if you share your prior salary.

How many years of experience do you have? The job market is competitive right now and a posting with a range of 65-120k likely means they would prefer someone on the lower end of that range.

120, say you were making 115 at your last job.

120 if they say it can go up to 120. Plus you can say you are mating 115 now so it's barely a bump and be honest

I’m an MBA in healthcare interviewing for a practice administrator position at a cosmetic surgery practice (recently was laid off from my consulting role). I am in a MCOL area. The ad states a preference for an MBA/MHA - check - and the salary starts at 65k. However, in the ad they state that compensation could be up to 120k. I was making 115 in my last role. Is shooting for 100k reasonable? Should I ask for 110? TIA.