speaker@umcp-cs.UUCP (04/28/84)
The question, "How much do you want", has two purposes. The first is find out how much money you want. From this the employer can make a decision regarding other candidates, i.e. "Who's going to work cheapest?". The second purpose is to find out if YOU know how much you're worth. If you don't, then you could very well get less than you hoped for. It also tells him something about the experience of the candidate. If YOU hold the cards (you don't NEED the job) then I would specify a dollar amount. If you market yourself well and select a dollar amount that is just a little high, then you're in good shape. If you NEED the job, then there's little point in beating around the bush. Ask for a reasonable amount. If you're too high, they probably will still offer what they think is reasoable. The eventual outcome depends on how well you market yourself and how good you really are, as well as the benevolence of the compay you deal with. It's late... gotta run. "I have a master's degree in SCIENCE" - Speaker