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By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
dearCPJobPostListsRangeOfSalaries image

Dear Cindy: 

When a job post lists a salary range, not one specific salary, how do I know how much I will get?

Sincerely,

$, $$, or $$$?

Dear $, $$, or $$$: 
The easy answer? Ask! If you get an interview, it's perfectly reasonable to ask about salary (but first read: Dear Cindy - Show You The Money? ).But when you ask about salary, you need to be prepared for what you want to hear and what you can realistically expect to hear. These could be two very different things. For the former, do you have a magic number that you feel you're worth (or that you need to cover your expenses)? Is the figure realistic based on your education and experience? For the latter, on the other hand, you may need to do some research. Find out what people in the position you are applying for are making. In the United States, a good place to start is the Bureau of Labor Statistics; in Canada, check Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. You can also check out tools such as salary.com or payscale.com.

But most importantly, are you prepared for the interviewer's answer? You don't want to show your disappointment if the amount is significantly less than you expected, nor do you want to shout, "Ka-ching!" if the amount is significantly more than you expected.

And remember – salary isn't the only factor in determining whether a job is best for you. Don't forget to take into consideration things like: opportunity for advancement; cost of living in the community; whether the community is in fitting with your desired lifestyle; and what other perks or benefits (see Perks: More Than Money ) the employer offers.Also see the follow-up query: Dear Cindy - When a Job Post Lists a Salary Range, Part 2 .
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