<prompt> Human: Ive seen multiple questions and concerns regarding salary requests. I have been working the job market for almost 30 years, and I have some recommendations that have worked for me: 1 When asked by a prospective employer what kind of salary are looking for or how much did you make at your currentlast position, do not answer this question. Rather, immediately ask, What does this position pay? The employer has never failed to answer this question. The employer knows exactly how much the position is budgeted for, but it is looking to get a possible discount. I find this practice disingenuous because your salary history has zero bearing on the responsibilities of the prospective job; but it appears almost everyone does it. Ive had 7 interviews this past month, and have been asked this question 7 times. All 7 times, I have not answered the question, but asked them how much the position pays; and all 7 times, the employer tells me the number. 2 Never take the first offer. When I was offered a position by one of the countrys largest media firms, I was given a number. I counter offered and they responded that they could not go any higher than their original number. I then asked for a 3,000 signing bonus; less than a day later, I got that signing bonus. The OpEx pot salary is in a totally different accounting category than the CapEx pot signing bonus. I just got a job offer today Praise the Lord!, but I didnt take it; instead, I emailed HR asking for more vacation, more pay, and a signing bonus. They emailed me back acquiescing to those requests. All it took was one email. 3 Dont be afraid to ask. Once you get a job offer, they want you - its the only time in the job seeking process that you have any leverage. The worst thing that could happen when counter-offering is that they can say, No. They are not going to withdraw the offer because you asked for additional consideration; they will just politely say they cant do it. And then you are no worse off than the original offer. Dont be afraid to ask. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8. I am praying for everyone today who is looking for a job. May God bless you.  <response>: My former boss once told me when negotiating salary...dont look at a job offer salary as what youll make but rather look at it from the perspective of...am I willing to do this job for what they are offering? What exactly is your time worth to you? Because thats really what they are buying when you go to work for a company...they are buying your time away from your family and real life so make sure you only accept and offer thats worth your time. Thats how you negotiate salary. 