[BriKevin]

This is one of the single biggest tactical errors made by job applicants. If you give them a number, they know: "Well, we've established what you are, now we're just haggling over price."

1. The employer has the money, and an established job grade for the position. It's their job to tell you -- NOT the other way around.
2. If you want to make more money, you have to ask for it.
3. That said, it's a bad idea -- a VERY bad idea -- to tip your hand just because some HR Dept wants you to throw a number out there. On written apps or cover letters, try this:

Salary requirements: Competitive (negotiable).

Many times, the HR screener/interviewer will follow up, trying to get a number. Your proper comeback is: "If I'm right for this job, I'm sure we can come to an agreement. Tell me, what is the established range for this position?" Then it's their turn to hem and haw. Usually, you'll learn the "general" range, and you can then assure them that you're OK with it.

It's an umcomfortable moment, but if you stick to your guns, they WILL back down on their "requirement" that you price yourself. This is how you keep the upper hand and ensure you get fair value for your services. You'd be surprised how many people take jobs at below the established minimum, just because they screwed up this basic tactic.

So avoid falling for this "salary requirement" ploy at all costs. Keep the conversation focused on the job. It will identify you as a savvy applicant and, in many cases, make you more desirable.

This is how the game is played. The HR people are just screeners. Your job is to get past them, and into the actual interview. And that's where you get the job.

[JakilSong]

Good info -Jrabbit! I will remember this info.

[Sydaycymn]

Your mother is a wise woman, DD.

I give korn469 props for being smart enough to ask.

[ferelrossi]

Thanks so much for the info -Jrabbit I will certainly use your approach.

[IamRobot]

Ditto to everything JR said.
I had one where it was almost like 8 yr olds argueing.
They kept asking me my desired salary and I kept responding "well what does it pay" This went on for weeks. They kept saying they couldn't process my application till that item was filled out. I kept saying I couldn't accept till they made an offer. Eventually they made an offer. Which I quickly declined and ended up accepting a considerably higher offer.

NEVER GIVE YOUR STARTING POINT AWAY first.