What to give for salary expectation?

[Stanley Rockefeller]

I'm in the process of looking for a new job, and after living in downtown Vancouver for 6 months, I'm still unable to find an employer who will hire me.

I have a bachelor's degree and several years of work after my degree. I've had a few interviews, but never been able to land a job yet.

Considering my credit rating is good (i've heard some employers use this to evaluate a candidate over the use of references for obvious reasons), I also present very well (or so I've been told by members of the opposte sex ;)) and I'm very professional.

Just not sure why I'm not getting any jobs!!?!?!?! i think it may be I'm asking too little (might be showing as a lack of confidence?) not sure really.

How should I evaluate my worth to an employer?

My stats:
-Undergrad degree in 04
-Currently working on CGA accounting designation
-30 years of age
-10 years of accounting clerk type roles, all varying (full cycle and AR specific roles)
-I've also given examples of my ability to be self-motivated to do different work tasks

I've been asking 43ish which I can easily live off of, but maybe I'm asking too little...I dont' want to scare off a potential employer by asking too much, but obviously too little doesnt' work well either.

Any ideas?

thanks in advance

[Bglad]

Obviously you suck.

[Car Addict]

From the stories i have heard from my Dad about white collar business, he is the director for research at partners health care and deals quite a bit with hiring and firing managers, asking higher than what you expect to receive is better, not astronomically higher but 5-10% more is good. Doing that shows that you feel confident in your skills, and they will be getting someone who knows what they are doing. Most of the time if they want to hire you they will give you a call back and talk further about salary, that is when the real negotiating begins. During the first interview it is more of a general test to see what you think you are worth.

Of course that is just what I have been told. I am still in school for electrical engineering and have not landed my first salary job, having always worked in automotive shops.

[Conki]

This is a topic I am interested in too as I am getting my B.S. in M.E in a couple weeks, and then it will be time to look for a job.
A classmate of mine did a 6 month internship with a company here in the valley, and they decided to offer him a full time job after his graduation. When asked, he said $85000. They agreed. Since he told me this now I'm not feeling too bad about my expected starting salary of $60000.
$85000? In the valley? For an entry level position? That lucky SOB:)

[mamzak]

Always ask for more...it makes you look like a waffleswaffleswaffleswaffleswaffles if you undersell and ask less.

[funcrew]

This is a topic I am interested in too as I am getting my B.S. in M.E in a couple weeks, and then it will be time to look for a job.
A classmate of mine did a 6 month internship with a company here in the valley, and they decided to offer him a full time job after his graduation. When asked, he said $85000. They agreed. Since he told me this now I'm not feeling too bad about my expected starting salary of $60000.
$85000? In the valley? For an entry level position? That lucky SOB:)

Wow, I didn't realize entry-level BSME's could make $85K in this market. Kinda pisses me off, actually.

[lgb240]

I've never thrown the first salary expectation figure at a potential employer. The position you're seeking will have a salary budget attached to it so the company can plan it's working expenses. By throwing your number out first, you run the risk of
a) underselling yourself
b) expecting way more than the position will yield.

I've always answered the salary expectation question with something like ' I welcome the oportunity to review your compensation package with respect to this position'

Let them throw the first figure out, then negotiate up / down from there.

Keep in mind that salary isn't the only part of compensation - vacation, perks, car allowances, expenses, retirement contributions, ect, ect, are all part of the compensation package.

Good luck...

[scabzzzz]

Youre asking Americans about Canadian job life.

Move to Detroit. I hear their accounting scene is flourishing!

[CorvallisBMW]

Wow, I didn't realize entry-level BSME's could make $85K in this market. Kinda pisses me off, actually.

No shit :hitler:

[emoshun]

Good read about what employers can see about you.

[Aptyp]

what is your degree in? If it's something stupid and irresponsible (obviously you're ashamed of it, because you didn't post), than that is your reason.

[blefevre]

No shit :hitler:

Welcome to the world of engineering. Land in a good company and your salary can sky rocket in just a few years.

[Stanley Rockefeller]

what is your degree in? If it's something stupid and irresponsible (obviously you're ashamed of it, because you didn't post), than that is your reason.

business admin. (better than psychology i was originally studying)

not like it matters much anyway...

[5ickride]

You gotta see what the position you're going for usually pays. That info is scattered throughout the internet. If you ask for $75k for a position that avg about $55k than two things are happening here 1) you're employers will think you dont know jack about the position you're going for 2) You dont know jack about the position you're going for.

Research and study the company you're interested in joining. Get references preferably within the industry you're interested in joining. Join LinkedIn!

[Varinn]

Just as an example of how you should be asking for more, I currently pull 55k a year as a first year apprentice tradesman :) Accounting should be higher, by a large amount!