I applied for a job via linkedin, and the employer emailed me asking salary expectations. How do I respond?

mrr86: I applied for a job via linkedin, and the employer emailed me asking salary expectations. How do I respond?
Is it a little strange that they are asking me about salary expectations before the interview? I do not want to give a # too low, or too high. At the same time, I do not want to tip-toe around and say something like the “fair market value” of the position. Is it appropriate to answer “I would expect between $ –K and $ –K but I would have a much better idea if we were to discuss the position further.” ?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Ghost of Zeuz
Why don’t you reply by asking, “What is the salary band of the job?”

Answer by SLM
It is a sad indication of the lack of creativity by those that hire these days. (long ago when I was temping while in college one of my “jobs” at a Wall Street firm was to go through faxes (then) and toss out any resume not deemed suitable. Any typo was an immediate trash can toss just to eliminate the copious pile. Could have been a great but sloppy candidate.)

Give a range based on your previous salary (and considering economy now) and position, skills and more importantly what you brought to the company. A range does not pigeon hole you and allows for salary increases.

Expectations is not a choice word, lol. It puts you in less powerful position when in fact it is an equal exchange (or should be).

Salary is compensation for duties performed and one can value that. I find it unappealing that today, one does not look at someone in HR face to face, or when one is let go it is often with a short email. (obviously older)

Try to word it creatively so that they will be interested in a face to face interview… such as “I will consider a starting salary in this range, which allows me to grow in my position by so on so on”.

Answer by Chris
They are asking about salary expectations to rule you out. Hopefully you’ve got a good idea on the range for your area. I like the part about having a much better idea once you have a clearer view of expectations of the job. Another thing that makes a difference for me would be job benefits – such as what type of medical benefits, vacation time, work from home once a week, etc.

If you know that they pay a fair wage, you can use that in your answer. Such as…your company has a reputation of paying a fair wage. If after meeting, you think I would be a good fit for this position and I think this is what I’m looking for, I’m sure we will be able to agree on salary.