When to discuss salary?

[supernova]

I got a note to come in for an interview next week..

Yay! :bounce: :applause:

The HR person wants to know my salary history/requirements right away before I come in. I am reluctant to do this because at my previous employer I was lowballed. I want my next job to be more in line with the standard salary for my profession around here.

Without pigeonholing myself, what's the expected way to answer her?

[lukasahero]

1. I usually hedge with something like

"I prefer to discuss salary once I have a better understanding of the position..."

If they continue to insist you can use: "My salary requirements are in line with current market rates." (Make sure you really know what the market rates are: http://www.salary.com/mysalary.asp )

I'm sorry to say, while I'm familiar with your username, I'm unfamiliar with your gender (and don't want to lose what I've typed to go check) so: IF you are a woman, do not back down on this part of the negotiation. Women are underpaid in part because we don't insist on better salaries - we don't negotiate and no one ever taught us how. You can start here: http://www.womendontask.com/stats.html

If you're a guy, negotiation is important too so don't back down!

And congratulations!

:toast: :bounce: :applause: :yourock: :headbang: :fistbump: :woohoo: