John --

Perhaps we simply use different references.  Certainly Richard Boles, who's
"What Color is Your Parachute" has been the Bible of Job-Hunting for over
two decades, strongly advocates not answering this question prematurely.

What you suggest, however, is certainly not unreasonable.  Different strokes
and all.  Do whatever you feel comfortable with.  I for one am uncomfortable
giving any but the vaguest answer ("whatever is competitive") until I learn
more about the position and what it entails.

I have to disagree that "they may be willing to give you want if you are
open and give them an answer." It has been my experience that if you provide
an answer before you learn what the job entails, you may have shot yourself
in the foot when it comes to later salary negotiations.

(On the other hand, their "budget" and my "requirements" may -- and often do
-- change if we decide we really like each other.  Answering the question
up-front closes that possibility.)

I've seen enough unscrupulous administrators -- inside the museum world and
out -- to want to play my cards close to my chest.  (And, let's face it, few
of us are getting rich by working in museums.)  I will take every advantage
I can get.  And if that makes me puffy, well, I can live with that a lot
easier than I can live with some of the salaries people thought they could
offer.

I'm not so sure this is such a disqualifying question, anyway.  I certainly
have had little trouble getting interviews, despite my refusal to answer the
question.  (I have no objection to answering the question as part of salary
negotiations, once an offer has been made.)

I do agree with you entirely on one point you raised in a previous posting:
do your research!  Find out what the job pays: at the institution, at other
institutions, and in the for-profit sector in the area.  You can't negotiate
from ignorance.

-- Eugene

"The day is fast approaching, if it not already here, when 51% of museum
directors will realize they are grossly underpaying their employees.  But it
will pass, it will pass."

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