Every time I look for a new job, I get asked what my salary requirements are. For my first job out of college, I was timid and desperately in need of a job, so I took what they offered.
For subsequent jobs, I've asked for more money and often negotiated a salary above the offer. However, I never really know how much to ask for, so I typically have just asked for a bit above what I'm presently making.
I'm about to interview for a position in a new industry, and they've already asked me what my salary expectations are. I was able to kind of avoid the question, but I know next week at the interview they're likely to ask again.
I've checked on sites like Salary.com and Payscale.com, and according to both of those, I'm grossly underpaid (like $10,000 to $15,000 underpaid). But I'm wondering how accurate they are? I just can't seem to imagine having the balls to ask for that much money, for fear I'd be eliminated as a candidate altogether. But, you know, if that kind of money is on the table I'd hate to sell myself short.
Does anyone have other suggestions for determining a reasonable salary range to suggest?