Why do employers ask how much you want to make?

Employers want to know what you earn now or what you've earned in the past for one reason: so they can hire you for the lowest possible salary. If you answer truthfully, you could be looking at a minimal increase from your last job.
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Why do employers ask what salary you want?

Why do interviewers want to know your salary expectations? Employers may ask this question to get a sense of whether or not they can afford your help. They might also ask you this to see how much you value yourself and your work.
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What should I say when asked about salary expectations?

Consider giving a salary range, not a number

If a job post asks applicants to state their expected salary when applying for the position, then give a range — not a specific figure — you're comfortable with. Answers like “Negotiable” might work, but they can also make you look evasive.
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Can employers ask how much you want to make?

Employers are free to ask you about your current and past salaries under federal law. However, many states have their own laws about this question.
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Should I put negotiable for desired salary?

When answering desired salary or expected salary questions on an application, the best approach is to write in “negotiable” or keep the field blank. If a numerical response is required, enter “000” and in a notes section, mention that salary is negotiable based on further understanding of the position.
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9 Things Bad Companies Say To Their Employees - Toxic Workplace Signs



Can you lie about your current salary?

Under no circumstances should you lie about your current compensation. There might be some temptation to tell a 'white lie' and exaggerate your salary to avoid the risk of getting a low salary offer. However, it is likely that you will be caught in this lie during a background check.
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How do you answer salary question?

Choose Your Strategy for Answering the Question
  1. Give a Salary Range. Responding to questions about salary with a single number limits your ability to make something work with the company, Crawford says. ...
  2. Flip the Question. ...
  3. Delay Answering.
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How do you negotiate a salary offer?

How to Negotiate Salary After You Get a Job Offer
  1. Become familiar with industry salary trends. You need to enter a salary negotiation as informed as possible. ...
  2. Build your case. ...
  3. Tell the truth. ...
  4. Factor in perks and benefits. ...
  5. Practice your delivery. ...
  6. Know when to wrap it up. ...
  7. Get everything in writing. ...
  8. Stay positive.
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How do you state your salary expectations?

Salary requirements can be included in your cover letter with sentences such as "My salary requirement is negotiable based upon the job responsibilities and the total compensation package," or "My salary requirement is in the $40,000 to $45,000+ range."
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How do you answer why should I hire you?

How to Answer Why Should We Hire You
  1. Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. ...
  2. Highlight that you'll fit in and be a great addition to the team. ...
  3. Describe how hiring you will make their life easier and help them achieve more.
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How big of a salary range should I give?

A good rule of thumb is to keep the lower end of your range at least 10 percent above your current salary, or the number you determine is a reasonable salary for the position. For example, if you currently earn $50,000, you may say that your range is $55,000 to $65,000.
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Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?

You're an at-will employee, in almost all states, and the company has no legal obligation to hire you. For the most part, yes, you can lose a job offer by negotiating the salary for your offer. This is because in almost all states, you are an at-will employee, and the company has no legal obligation to hire you.
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How do you respond to a low salary offer?

Thank the employer for the offer

Any time you get a job offer, even if you feel it's a lowball salary offer, you should thank the employer and show appreciation. Sometimes, the hiring manager is limited in how much they can offer, so it's possible that they wanted to offer more.
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How much is too much counter offer salary?

A good range for a counter is between 10% and 20% above their initial offer. On the low end, 10% is enough to make a counter worthwhile, but not enough to cause anyone any heartburn.
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What is the best weakness to say in an interview?

Here are a few examples of the best weaknesses to mention in an interview:
  • I focus too much on the details. ...
  • I have a hard time letting go of a project. ...
  • I have trouble saying “no” ...
  • I get impatient when projects run beyond the deadline. ...
  • I sometimes lack confidence. ...
  • I can have trouble asking for help.
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What if employer asks for salary history?

California's ban prohibits private and public employers from seeking a candidate's pay history. Even if an employer already has that information or an applicant volunteers it, it still can't be used in determining a new hire's pay.
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Does my manager know my salary?

Yes, in North American workplaces, your direct boss usually knows your salary, whether they are Manager or Director or any other title, and usually are wholly or partly responsible for the budget from which your salary is paid.
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In what states is it illegal to ask for salary history?

It's illegal to ask for salary history in several states including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon and Vermont, which all have some form of ban for private employers.
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Should I accept the first salary offer?

“Don't accept the first offer — they expect you to negotiate and salary is always negotiable.” “That's just not true,” says Weiss. Sure, much of the time there is an opportunity to negotiate, but some hiring managers genuinely give you the only number they can offer.
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What happens if salary offer is too low?

If the salary is too low, focus on that aspect in a counteroffer. If you know the firm will not negotiate on salary, then focus on modifying a few of the other terms of the offer (such as additional vacation time, earlier performance reviews, signing bonus, relocation expenses).
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Should I accept a job offer with lower pay?

If you're considering a job with a lower salary, make sure you're financially comfortable with the decision, and can comfortably live on the lower income. While a long-lasting and difficult job hunt is a perfectly valid reason for accepting a lower salary, avoid sharing this with interviewers.
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Is a 25 salary increase good?

Dr. Malia Mason and Dr. Daniel Ames found that a useful technique is to offer a range of options, rather than one fixed amount. They also found that asking for between 5% and 25% pay increases yielded the most successful negotiations.
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Can negotiating salary backfire?

Negotiating a salary is a crucial part of accepting a new position, but botching this step can cost a candidate the job. And even if the fallout isn't quite as severe, the outcome of salary negotiations can damage the employee's ability to succeed at work. The problem is, few of us have negotiating skills.
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Is it rude to negotiate salary?

Recruiters aren't offended when you negotiate your compensation in a respectable and amicable matter. Especially when the salary is left open. It's part of offering any role to a new hire. In fact, some recruiters are even surprised when you don't negotiate your salary.
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Is it OK to ask the salary range?

You need timing and tact

By the second interview, it's usually acceptable to ask about compensation, but tact is key. Express your interest in the job and the strengths you would bring to it before asking for the salary range. Make the employer feel confident you're there for more than just the paycheck.
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