Salary Requirements

[sonny kher]

I am Graduating Senior looking for a job and was wondering if I should post salary requirements on my resume/cover letter every time I apply for a position. I don't have a whole lot of experience and a competitive salary is where I can look attractive over more experienced folks...right?

[Mimi Chan]

I wouldn't recommend writing your salary requirements on your resume. If you are asking too much, companies won't even consider you since they can hire someone with more experience. If you are asking too little, companies will think that you aren't a top notch candidate.
If I were you, I would focus more on education and work history. If you are what they are looking for based on your resume, you can then write your expected salary on the application.
Good luck.

[John Coxey]

Sonny:
Never put salary requirements on resume.
The players in this game know what the salary ranges for Java programmers are. In your case, with BS-Comp Sci from USA college, you would be in the US$40-US$50K/yr range - in the USA.
John Coxey
([e-mail])

[sonny kher]

thanks guys...makes perfect sense.
And to anybody who's reading this, I came to this site when I was preparing for the SCJP exam, I got that certification earlier this year. And to be frank that (and a couple more certificates that I have) are making all the difference. I am getting more feedback/responses than my classmates who have pretty much the same skillset (atleast on paper...lol)
And if I may post a second question....what is a better way of applying for a job, say in case there is a phone number listed should I go ahead and call or email my resume would pretty much get the same end result?

[Mimi Chan]

Sonny.
I would do both, definitely call and email your resume.(Unless the ad specifies no phone calls) This way, you have a better chance of your resume not being lost in the system and you have a name to refer to in the future.
In this economy, you can't wait for them to come to you. You have to go get it yourself!!

[John Coxey]

Sonny:
- If the company provides a phone number - make a copy of the advertisement and staple both your resume and cover letter to it. This will be for your records - so you know what your sent, when you sent it, and to whom you sent it. File it in your records.
- At the end of your cover letter - indicate in the last paragraph that you will call them in a week's time. Normally - you will hear back from the company before then (either rejection letter or an initial phone call). Send both resume and cover letter - either US mail or e-mail. OK to do both.
- After a week has gone by - pull out the advertisement (with resume and cover letter) that you stapled together. Use this to refresh your memory. Make the phone call. Don't call on Mondays people are too busy. Don't call on Fridays as people will forget about you over the weekend. Make sure you get names/etc.
- Write names/etc down - add it your files for this company/opportunity. Wait 2 or 3 days and send (via US mail if possible) thank-you letters etc. OK to toss in another copy of your resume.
John Coxey
([e-mail])
P.S. Bonus: Even if you get rejection letter. Keep calling the company every 2 or 3 weeks regarding possible openings. Perhaps the new person won't show up for 1st day of work and you may be in the "right place at the right time" when you call.
[ October 19, 2002: Message edited by: John Coxey ]

[Manish Hatwalne]

John,
Your posts about jobs are really very insightful, just wanted to convey my thanks!
- Manish

[John Coxey]

Manish Hatwalne:
Thanks - I appreciate it.
Want to clarify above post. When you staple your resume, cover letter and job advertisement together - this is strictly for your records. So you can refresh your memory.
You want to just send cover letter and resume like normal.
If you organize your job search correctly - meaning making 4 or 5 contacts per week - it will slowly turn into a full time 40 hour per week effort. This is why I recommend keeping copies of what you sent out. Also recommend keeping track of who/when you talked to folks.
John Coxey
([e-mail])

[sonny kher]

Excellent strategy John.
There is a whole graduating class that could use this information. Job market is really tight, campus recruitment is slowest I've seen in years. Two years ago even a Freshman could find a paid internship position, now some of my friends are thinking of taking up unpaid positions after they graduate. There are companies that schedule interviews and the next day you get to read in the paper that the same company is laying of X number of employees. But then again there are jobs out there...I guess being positive and really going for it is all you can do...and hence the saying "when the going gets tough....
Do you think things might get better in a hurry? they sure went down south in a relatively short time....
[ October 20, 2002: Message edited by: sonny kher ]

[John Coxey]

Sonny:
- Like you, I am totally surprised how fast the market downturned - especially for Java developers. Makes me wonder what will happen if we have a "depression" as opposed to a "recession".
- I have to believe that the Java market will "balance" itself out. Can't see folks getting 4 yr college degree plus another year or two of studying the J2EE model (JSP, Servlets, EJB), only to work for US$40K or US$50K per year.
- I am hoping that the current downturn in Java employment (as opposed to other sectors of the job market) is mostly due just an over-saturation
of Java programmers.
- In regards to your graduating class. Do I think they can get jobs in the IT field - probably. Do I think they can get jobs as Java programmers - probably not. I would say the majority will find work in the next 12 months.
- When will things get better? It's anybody's guess. Personally, I thought things would have turned around by now. Not sure how a possible war with Iraq would affect the US economy.
- Regarding my current situation. I just scored a permanent Java gig in Evansville, IN this past week. Start Nov 4th. Pay is very good along with standard benefits. Company is paying for relocation - am moving this Saturday.
- So yes, there are Java jobs out there - and good paying ones at that. Companies know (or should know) that they are going to have to pay for talent.
- My advice. Keep the faith.
John Coxey
([e-mail])

[sonny kher]

Congratulations John, I'm happy for you. Someday I hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel too...
Sometimes, I think a lot is made out of the uneven job market, you see ppl bitching on how they can't find a job and then they never come back to post when they DO find one. So if you read through the posts here or anywhere else on the net you tend to think that its worse than it really is out there. But I am NOT going to lose hope, I guess in times like this you tend to be more alert on how updated your skillset is and thats what it really is about for some of us isn't it? Hell all I ever wanted to do was code, and nobody is taking that away from me...just yet ...lol