Job hunters, huddle up.
I care about you guys. So, it pains me when I see you do things to shoot yourself in the foot. Namely, when you don’t provide salary information when requested in job postings.
Let’s first think about the main reason nonprofits want your salary requirements up front: they need to know whether you’re in the range they have budgeted for the role. It’s just that simple. There’s no evil conspiracy to tell your ex-wife how much you earn now or to nickel and dime potential hires. It’s just dollars and sense, so to speak.
I’ve heard a gazillion excuses from candidates about why they don’t want to provide salary information. Usually, candidates are afraid to undersell or oversell themselves. However, if you’re employing a salary strategy that marries honesty, reality, and your salary history, then you have nothing to fear but fear itself. So let’s put excuse-making aside and get down to the crux of the biscuit.
When candidates fail to provide requested salary information, hiring managers are left to think that the candidates didn’t pay attention to application directions or that they are unable/unwilling to follow instructions. Now hiring managers will either spend time asking you for the same thing twice or eliminate you from the running for submitting an incomplete application. Either way, you’re not doing yourself any favors by avoiding the salary question.
[Side note: clever statements such as, “I will provide salary information after I learn more about the role.” or “My salary requirements are negotiable.” are equally if not more frustrating to employers than avoiding the question altogether. Not only do these responses fall short in providing the necessary information, but they also send signals that the candidate believes he/she is above protocol.]
So, next time you apply for a job that requests salary information — for the love of Jerry Maguire and trite movie lines — show me the money!
