Dear CareerBabe:

Help! I need information on salaries! When I'm interviewing and the employer says: "How much do you want to make?", do I give a number first?

Dear Sleepless:

This is another example of why and how research pays off.

• First, try to read as many salary surveys as you can for jobs in your specific field. (Some web sites are listed below.)
  
  
• Second, talk to other graduates who have recently gotten similar types of jobs.
  
  
• Last, practice answering this type of question over and over again with one or more of the following answers:
  
  
  • I know this type of position generally pays (mention a range) $30,000 to $50,000 a year and includes training.
  • I know this type of position generally offers a base salary and a commission.
  • I have interviewed with several other companies and the range they mention for this job is "X".

What you should avoid saying, if at all possible, is a specific number . . . unless you already know the company is well in the range of the salary you are seeking.

With my very best wishes for your career success!