Great words of wisdom from Nick Corcodilis over on the Ask the Headhunter blog…Nick reminds job seekers that the job boards put all sorts of limitations on the job seeker. You can’t be an empowered candidate when you use job boards as your only source for job leads. The job boards put you at a distinct disadvantage because they don’t let you “pass go and collect your $200” unless you follow their rules.
And their rules are many. Often the listings on the boards screen candidates by salary requirements and don’t let applicants complete the application process without supplying this information. Offering up salary information before you have a conversation about what the job entails is counterproductive and it could screen you out of a position where there is a good fit.
Instead of being a sheep, be a lion and seek out the real decision maker in the hiring process. Market your qualifications directly to that person and build a relationship based on the value you can bring to the organization, not a reference to a salary requirement. Create a compelling arguement for why you are the candidate of choice and move the conversation away from “too expensive” to “I’ve got to have this person on my team.”
