What kind of salary to expect?
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
Since you don't have a clue, and they did not give you a range, ask for what you want , and always say that it's negociable. Get their reactions on the amount you want, and readjust to fit what they expected to pay yout.
Maximilien Lincourt "Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon filled with backup tapes." ("Computer Networks" by Andrew S Tannenbaum )
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Since you don't have a clue, and they did not give you a range, ask for what you want , and always say that it's negociable. Get their reactions on the amount you want, and readjust to fit what they expected to pay yout.
Maximilien Lincourt "Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon filled with backup tapes." ("Computer Networks" by Andrew S Tannenbaum )
Another means to handle the situation is to ask what they typically pay an individual with your background and skill sets for the desired position. If you find their answer acceptable, then say that's about what you were looking for ... if you find they come in "low", then tell them what you were looking to get paid, and go from there ... I feel it's important, however, that you have a good handle on how much you should expect, prior to walking in the door. To do this, there are various on-line resources you can use to find out what people in the industry are making, and in your general area. Computer Jobs.com[^] is one such site that maintains avg. salary information. I'm certain you could locate other such "studies" by doing a basic Google search. Hope that helps. D.
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Since you don't have a clue, and they did not give you a range, ask for what you want , and always say that it's negociable. Get their reactions on the amount you want, and readjust to fit what they expected to pay yout.
Maximilien Lincourt "Never underestimate the bandwidth of a station wagon filled with backup tapes." ("Computer Networks" by Andrew S Tannenbaum )
I know two recent graduates of college, one with a CS degree who has a job as a developer for a Government Contracter and he makes 45k/year the other is a Computer Engineer and he makes 42k/year. Remember alot of your salary depends on your location as well.
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Another means to handle the situation is to ask what they typically pay an individual with your background and skill sets for the desired position. If you find their answer acceptable, then say that's about what you were looking for ... if you find they come in "low", then tell them what you were looking to get paid, and go from there ... I feel it's important, however, that you have a good handle on how much you should expect, prior to walking in the door. To do this, there are various on-line resources you can use to find out what people in the industry are making, and in your general area. Computer Jobs.com[^] is one such site that maintains avg. salary information. I'm certain you could locate other such "studies" by doing a basic Google search. Hope that helps. D.
Exactly. Do some research. Find out what other people are making that do roughly the same job in the same area. Use the internet, the library, anything you can think of. I had a buddy that called and requested average salaries and job descriptions for a poll he was taking for a school project. If you come in and suggest something that is at least in the ball park, then at least that gets them thinking that you and they think quite a bit alike. Come in too high, or too low, and they may wonder if there is something strange about you :)
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
Simply looking at salaries can be misleading sometimes, too, if other benefits offered are important to you. Time off, good medical benefits, 401(k) contribution, free gym membership, etc are all part of the package. For example, my actual compensation is about 20-30% higher than my salary is.
"The beat goes on.. da-da-dum dadum dum"
BW
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
Leprosy wrote: The job is with lockheed martin. I'm surprised. I would think a company like this would have a defined salary grade based on education, years of experience, seniority at LM, and job function. Other aerospace companies do, if for no other reason than to avoid lawsuits. Funny how large companies implement socialistic policies within a democratic society. Anyways, maybe you should ask them. Marc Latest AAL Article My blog Join my forum!
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
Leprosy wrote: and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? You answer it the correct way. You ask them "what sort of employee do you expect me to be" ? If they have any human resources skills they will negotiate with you on this point. Answering with a straight number is tantamount to expressing that you already have a preconcieved worth. Regardz Colin J Davies
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
I suspect Lockheed Martin has a set schedule for salaries of at least junior and mid-level employees. There benefits are also non-negotiable. Regardless of what they pay you, the experience you get will be invaluable. One advantage of big companies is that they usually pay for training and education. Take advantage of these. Also learn how big companies operate. They also usually have generous stock and 401k programs. Take advantage of those. If you hate it, put in five years and they go find a job you want. Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
They need to set the negotiating point. If you had been in the industry for awhile, had previous salaries and expectations then you could make a pitch, but in this case they need to pitch to you. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Anna-Jayne Metcalfe wrote: "Cynicism has it's place in life - but it should be kept well away from your inner self." Crikey! ain't life grand?
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Leprosy wrote: The job is with lockheed martin. I'm surprised. I would think a company like this would have a defined salary grade based on education, years of experience, seniority at LM, and job function. Other aerospace companies do, if for no other reason than to avoid lawsuits. Funny how large companies implement socialistic policies within a democratic society. Anyways, maybe you should ask them. Marc Latest AAL Article My blog Join my forum!
They most likely do - but it's probably a $10k-$15k range between low and high. -- Russell Morris "So, broccoli, mother says you're good for me... but I'm afraid I'm no good for you!" - Stewy
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
45K seems to be the norm for your level at several busisnesses in the industry in the DFW area. ;) I'm not sure about elsewhere though. If CA, I'd probably add 10%, Michigan they'd have to pay me 150% X| , east coast probably add maybe 1%-3%. - Nitron
"Those that say a task is impossible shouldn't interrupt the ones who are doing it." - Chinese Proverb
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
Leprosy wrote: What kind of salary to expect? I hope for enough. Leprosy wrote: Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) I wouldn't because I would be haunted by the feeling not fulfilling expectations. (OK call me outdated but I'm pretty sure I wasn't born for the millenium of greed) But this is a personal thing between you and your wallet. I am lucky to get more than I need for a job that gives me more confidence than pain. Your milage may vary.
"Vierteile den, der sie Hure schimpft mit einem türkischen Säbel."
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In your best Dr. Evil voice (Austin Powers movie) say, "One Hundred Billion Dollars. Mua ha ha ha."
Why that much money? He's not going to war with Iraq, is he? ;P -- The moment of terror is the beginning of life.
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
I think your best bet is to try to find their pay scales for the job that you are applying for and pick something in the middle of the range. My hr department lists this stuff on their webpage. John
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Why that much money? He's not going to war with Iraq, is he? ;P -- The moment of terror is the beginning of life.
No, but he's going to have to pay taxes for it! ¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned
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Leprosy wrote: The job is with lockheed martin. I'm surprised. I would think a company like this would have a defined salary grade based on education, years of experience, seniority at LM, and job function. Other aerospace companies do, if for no other reason than to avoid lawsuits. Funny how large companies implement socialistic policies within a democratic society. Anyways, maybe you should ask them. Marc Latest AAL Article My blog Join my forum!
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I recently applied for a job and they asked my desired salary. How do you answer that question? I'm going to be a cs graduate with an undergraduate degree. (good gpa 3.9) and 2 full years (not summers) with an internship, and good recommendations. The job is with lockheed martin. Do you lie and say you want more then you think your worth (or more then the average?) so they wont low ball you, or try to geuss what your worth? what are your guys opions?
You're showing a very perceptive attitude by even asking such a question. The overwhelming majority of techies think that the only thing that should matter in terms of furthering their career is their technical skills. In reality, your ability to bargain and deal with other "soft" skills is as important, often even more important, than your techie skills. At the end of the day, it's very much like a game of poker. How valuable are you? How good of a hand do you hold at the bargaining table? Can you hold out for more because your competitors aren't as good? Can you pull off a good bluff, and win through sheer chutzpah? Unfortunately, there are no simple, one-size-fits-all answers to this issue. It's all about how good you can play the game. As long as you can back it up when they've hired you, and offer solid value for what they paid, I'd play to win and bargain for as much as I could get. Chistopher Duncan The Career Programmer: Guerilla Tactics for an Imperfect World Unite the Tribes: Ending Turf Wars for Career and Business Success RSS feed - News & notifications