The Money Question

Most people hate the money question, so let’s put that fish on the table and tackle it, right now. Some states prohibit the question, “What are you EARNING?” But you still can be asked what compensation you are REQUIRING.

It would be foolish for a recruiter to proceed too far into any conversation without first making sure you’re in the company’s price range so, when someone does pose the salary question, go ahead and divulge what you’re looking for. If it’s not a match, you’ve just saved yourself time and effort that can be better spent, elsewhere.

If a salary range is too low for you, move on GRACEFULLY.

DO NOT, IN ANY WAY, BE SARCASTIC!  If you are, you will never get a call back—including when you apply for another role, years later, if it happens to be managed by the same HR professional/Recruiter.  

Even if the current job’s salary range increases or a better-paying gig surfaces, you and the recruiter are—as Taylor Swift would say—never, ever, ever getting back together.  

And that would just be YOUR loss.

Being polite in all situations can yield dividends when you least expect it.