Is it okay to ask about compensation first?

Looking to get off the Help Desk, I've seen some job postings that for the pay, they say "DOE" or "Negotiable"... I'm thinking how the heck should I know where to begin with "negotiating with them". What if I ask for too much and they think it's silly and can my resume? Is it okay to email them simply asking what the job pays first? There is a posting that's twice as far from home (~40miles) as opposed to where I work now (20 miles). I'm thinking that if I get the job, the pay will be less and I'll have to spend all of my money in travel... I would really like to know the pay for this particular place before I even apply but am not sure about how to go about it.

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Forsaken_GA

It's not unreasonable to ask them for the salary range. If they won't give it up, then give them your number (and be sane about it). After that, you'll find out pretty quickly whether you guys are in the same ballpark.

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask about compensation up front, it can save alot of time on both sides if you're in different places.

higherho

HR always asked me what my expectations of salary right off the bat before anything else. If they ask you that question, my rule of thumb is how much is your cost of living in the area? and your current monthly bill output? How much money is left over after all that is paid? Once you figure that out and you see well I have only 200 dollars left over but I want 200 more extra on top of that. Once you figure out that dollar figure (3000 extra a year, 5000, etc) then you can sit down and think to yourself "how can I sell myself to make this much?" Look at your certifications, skills, degrees, the job posting, very well liked individual, great consumer skills, knowledge, etc. Pick one or multiple and play your best hand.

If you want to know their range then I would word a question like "would you be able to match from 45k to 50k" they might say no and then you can ask "what is the salary range for the position"?

SteveLord

Maybe. Now benefits, vacation, etc...NO. Wait until you have an offer for those.

YFZblu

CodeBlox wrote: »

Looking to get off the Help Desk, I've seen some job postings that for the pay, they say "DOE" or "Negotiable"... I'm thinking how the heck should I know where to begin with "negotiating with them". What if I ask for too much and they think it's silly and can my resume? Is it okay to email them simply asking what the job pays first? There is a posting that's twice as far from home (~40miles) as opposed to where I work now (20 miles). I'm thinking that if I get the job, the pay will be less and I'll have to spend all of my money in travel... I would really like to know the pay for this particular place before I even apply but am not sure about how to go about it.

Well the ad said negotiable, so this could be a good opportunity to at least get your feet wet in that department. If you like the job buy they low-ball you on the offer, strike back! That being said, pulling yourself out of helpdesk isn't the easiest thing in the world (know from experience), so if they aren't willing to negotiate the move might still make sense for you. Good luck!

tpatt100

The companies I have seen that say negotiable in my case meant they were pretty flexible. If they like you and ask what your current salary is they know they will have to offer you more to leave if your happy in your current job. Years ago when I was working for one company the first batch of us they hired they had the salary range available so of course those interested knew what they could ask for. Since I only had a few years experience at the time the lowest they were offering was what I made plus my wife made so heck yeah it was worth it.

BradleyHU

yeah, i always ask what the salary range is. it saves alot of time, because if they are not offering what you want, then you can end the talks right there.

the_Grinch

Most places have always asked what I was looking for salary wise, those that didn't just gave me the number and I would tell them I was looking for more if it wasn't what I expected. Then they'd bump up or say thanks for coming in. Get as much as you can because once your there it will probably be a year before you see another dime, same with vacation time. Get as much as you can in the beginning because once you start you done.

CodeBlox

Thanks. I'm going to apply for a position and ask for ~$45k/yr. I hope it doesn't make me sound like a fool!

NetworkVeteran

CodeBlox wrote: »

Looking to get off the Help Desk, I've seen some job postings that for the pay, they say "DOE" or "Negotiable"... I'm thinking how the heck should I know where to begin with "negotiating with them". What if I ask for too much and they think it's silly and can my resume?

I discuss compensation ranges within the first 2-5 minutes. You know what you're making right now. If they're offering less than that, who cares if they think it's silly and can your resume? I'd avoid getting too specific until you've had a chance to demonstrate your know-how in an interview, because the ranges for some positions are quite wide. A recent one I interviewed at had a $50k range--they were filling several positions at once.

CodeBlox wrote: »

Thanks. I'm going to apply for a position and ask for ~$45k/yr. I hope it doesn't make me sound like a fool!

It's $45k is both your minimum and ideal salary, that's a reasonable approach. If you'd have happily accepted an offer at $40k, or would really rather have $50k, that's not such a good approach.

CodeBlox

They ask for it as part of the application that you submit so I've got no choice here. Hopefully they dont can it! I mean, 45k is more than twice what I make now lol

drkat

I always try to get salary up front - no need in wasting your time.

techdudehere

Use a salary calculator for your area. Make sure to match the duties to the title and be reasonable in your interpretation of the results. Do a search for similar, local positions to see if the salary calculator results seem to match what's being offered. I think it's better to ask for median or better pay from the start. Either you are qualified to do the job or you're not. If they trust you enough to do the work, then the pay should match the responsibilities.