What To Say When You're Asked For 'Salary Requirements'

By J.T. O'Donnell
Posted Jun 18th 2012 @ 10:55AM
It's the worst part on the online application -- the "salary requirements" field. Here's how to handle the question without getting disqualified:
1. Never leave it blank!
Online application systems require that all fields be filled out for you to be considered for the job. So, leaving it blank puts you in the digital trash can.

2. Never write something vague like "TBD" or "Pay Open for Discussion."
A company just wants you to come clean and give them a price range. You know what you are worth and what you want. Create a range that covers your walk-away rate (the lowest you can accept) and your ideal pay rate.

3. Do your homework and put down a value reflective of the market.
There are plenty of sites today that offer information on the current salary ranges for people in the position you are applying for. Be sure to factor in your location and offer a range that is fitting for the current market. Just because you made $80,000 in your last job doesn't mean you are going to get it now. The market might only be willing to pay $60,000 to $70,000. By researching this up front, you can be sure to put in a range that they will accept.

4. Don't assume what you put is cast in stone.
Just because you listed the range, doesn't mean you have to accept an offer within it. If you make it through the interview process and realize that you are bringing far more value to the role than the other possible candidates. Or, that the job is far greater in scope and responsibility than what you thought it was at the time you applied, you can always try to negotiate a higher starting salary. Just make sure they A) have the capacity to pay more, and B) you can 100 percent prove you'll be immediately worth every penny.
 
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Is Your Online GED Legit?

By Tripp, Senior Ticket Counselor

Have you completed your High School Diploma or GED?

Did you complete your Diploma or GED through an online school?

Have you been denied employment or entrance into a degree program as a result?

The American Council on Education (ACE) has noticed an increase in online schools claiming to offer opportunities to complete your General Educational Diploma (GED) online.  What many people may not know is that the only legal way to obtain a diploma is by completing the GED exam administered by approved GED Testing Centers.  The American Council on Education has set up a website that will allow you to locate testing centers in your area.

This does not mean that you are not able to take online preparation courses if that is your preference, but the exam itself must be completed in person.  Beware of schools that allow you to complete prep courses and the exam online.  Unfortunately some people have found out the hard way that employers and schools alike do not accept these online diplomas as an acceptable high school credential. 

Another alternative is for you to go through the Adult Education program offered through your community’s school district or the local community colleges.  These programs are specifically designed to help individuals who need to improve their math, reading, and other basic skills prior to completing the GED exam.  For more information on the Adult Education programs available in your area, you may contact the Department of Education for your state, your local school district, or the local community college. 

If you are trying to obtain your diploma or GED in addition to other training and certifications, you may be able to use services such as Job Corps or the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program.  For information on these programs please visit http://www.jobcorps.gov/ or your local Career One Stop center.  You may also contact your counselor at ERS at 1-888-322-9570, and request the contact information for your local WIA program coordinator.