How to fix salary blunder?

by Anonymous
(Somewhere)

I wrote an amazing cover letter, which got me an email reply within 2 hrs of submission of materials. The employer asked me a bit more about projects I'd worked on, and hourly rate I'd be expecting.

I gave a number for my hourly rate, and gave more information about the projects. I never heard anything else from the employer. I believe my salary number was too high. Is it possible for me to "fix" this? Is there any way to follow up without seeming like I'm desperate?

ANSWER: Never any harm in following up on the status of a job application, so do go ahead and contact them. When you do so, you might mention that you provided salary info as requested, but that the final number is negotiable (if that's true).

Your dilemma points up the importance of researching salary ranges for jobs before you are hit with such a question. If you've done your research and you understand what the market will bear for the job you want and your credentials, then whatever answer you give should be in the ballpark and should not be a barrier to you getting the job.

Now, if you are a superstar and can command top dollar, then don't be afraid to ask for it. But I'd always hedge a bit by saying that salary is just one of the factors you look for in a job, and that the final number is negotiable and could be offset by other factors (such as benefits, working conditions, chance of career advancement, etc.).

Good luck!