Want ads or job postings that specifically instruct you to indicate your salary requirements or history in your response can be troubling, particularly because you're generally advised to postpone discussions about salary until you've had a chance to present your case and find out more about the job. The obvious downside to mentioning your salary requirements up front is that you may be asking for less or more than the company is willing to pay. On the other hand, by not indicating salary, you could hurt your chances for getting an interview.

You can relax on this one! The only circumstance in which providing the requested salary requirements or history could hurt you is when the starting salary you're seeking far exceeds what the company either wants or can afford to pay, in which case it's probably better to find out sooner than later.

Depending on your situation, here are some approaches:

• When asked for salary history, be honest and specific. Employers are generally looking for your most recent salary.
• When asked for salary requirements, give a range. (Be sure that you've researched salary ranges for the type of job in the geographic area.)
• If you're concerned that you may be overpriced for the position you're interested in, come right out and say so. But also remind them that if the job is a good fit for you, you may be willing to negotiate salary.