In looking back at my recent comment, I think I inadvertently did something that I hope is a lesson to people just coming into the corporate space… That is a lesson that has been preached by my bosses throughout my career, but apparently I haven’t taken to heart enough - “Praise publicly, confront privately…”

I’d like to personally apologize to Brandon for the first paragraph in my recent comment. It wasn’t constructive to be said in a comment on here, and would have been handled better if I had sent what I said in a note personally to him privately.

So, a piece of advice for the day: “confront privately, praise publicly” - a way to live that apparently I have yet to grasp! Hope that helps you all as you move forward in your careers!

We had an old partner that gave interviews. They were the most intimidating and scary interviews ever.

First the man was 6-4 200 lbs., just physical intimidating. When you sat at the interview he would ask what is your name, school, and a few other pleasantries. Then all he asked was, “What questions do you have fro me.” That was the interview. If you didn’t come with questions (good questions at that) the interview was quick and you were not getting the job. In this situation the interviewer purposely became the interviewee.

First, really not trying to be nitpicky or a prick here, but I would encourage you guys to proofread your posts before posting them… There were a lot of “your” when it’s supposed to be “you’re”, “to” when it should be “too”, and “flee market” when it should be “flea market”… I guess some people want to flee once they get there after seeing the prices they might have to pay, but that’s another story… I just think that if you are trying to be the experts and authorities about being newly corporate, you should give off the fact that you are spell checking and proofreading before posting.

Next, research is key - you’re right - because you don’t want to waste your own time, or the company’s, by going through an interview process that ends up with them not being anywhere in the ballpark of what you desire to make. If you don’t know what you’re worth, or what companies are paying people in similar jobs, don’t apply in the first place.

Lastly, Jamie’s question was a good one, in that a great deal of jobs that are open these days say “salary requirements MUST accompany application” or “must be stated in your cover letter” for you to be considered. While all of the ideas that Cheryl gave are great ideas, and she’s right that it’s about the present and not the past, if you don’t have an established relationship with someone at the company to which you’re applying, you may need to provide that information. You certainly don’t want to lie and say “it’s company confidential” if it’s really not. I’d say in these types of situations, you should be honest about your salary history, and when you get into the interview, you need to be prepared to talk about WHY you’re worth more than that, and come in prepared and knowledgeable about what others in similar positions are being paid at other similar companies in the area.

Also, in my opinion, if they are asking for your salary history in the requirements for you to submit your resume, they should be more than willing to provide you with the range they’re willing to pay. That way, you can know if it’s going to be within your range prior to wasting anyone’s time…

Just my two cents!