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Kathy...when I'm asked that question BY ALL OF THEM, by response is that
"My rates for the last three assignments were between $40 and $50,
however, at this time, I'm only discussing assignments that are $XX or
more" (you fill in the XX)
ANY question is fair...it's the answers that may not be appropriate.
You don't have to tell them whatever you don't want to tell them.
However, you DO need to give them some guielines on what rates you are
looking for or you and they are going to waste each other's time.
When someone asks a question that I don't believe is appropriate to the
current situation, I simply reply that I don't believe it is appropriate
and go on in the conversation. I've never had a shop make it any type
of issue if you didn't want to address it. I used to be in sales, and I
learned that if you don't ask, you never get an answer, however if you
do ask, sometimes people may answer the question.
Understand that being a contractor requires a thick skin and you must
make it very clear TO YOURSELF under what rules you want to play in this
game, then simply follow the rules. Take very little personal and
remember that right now, technical writing is a buyer's market and you
are the buyer.
John
Kathy Fisher wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm interested in what you think about recruiters and headhunters who ask
> what your salary or hourly rate was on your last assignment. Is it a fair
> and appropriate question? Should we tell them? Is it any of their business?
> How do you handle such inquiries? Rates can differ from state to state,
> depending on the market. My feeling is that previous salaries have no
> relevance to the current job being offerered, especially if it's out-of-state
> where the standard rates may be higher.
>
> I'd really like to know how you feel about this. Please post here or respond
> directly to KDFisher -at- aol -dot- com -dot- Many thanks in advance for your comments.
>
> Kathy Fisher
>http://members.aol.com/KDFisher/kdfisher.html
>
--
John Posada, Technical Writer (and proud of the title)
The world's premier Internet fax service company: The FaxSav Global
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My opinions are mine, and neither you nor my company can take credit for
them.
HEY! Are you coming to the NJ TechWriter lunch? So far, about 10
of us are. Ask me about it.
