I need help. Anyone's advise is welcome!?

I was recently called for a job interview in the D.C. area. I was asked over the phone what sort of salary I was looking for and what the lowest amount would be that I would accept. I think that I may have sold myself a bit short. I have an interview tomorrow and I am sure that the topic will come up again. How should I handle fixing my potential blooper and getting myself more money now that I have put a number on the table? Also, if anyone knows of a good, totally free salary calculator that would be wonderful! Thanks for the help.

I need help. Anyone's advise is welcome!?
It is always easier to raise the salary issue once they have offered you a job. Then you have the upper hand. When they come with an offer, if it is below what you want, you can always counteroffer. A couple thousand dollars won't make or break a company, and if they really want you, they'll pay for it. IF they are too cheap to negotiate, or that is really the best they can do, and it is not in your range, they probably aren't the type of company you want to work for anyway.





Salary.com has a decent salary calculator, depending on what sort of position you are interested in.





If you are pressed on the question of salary, there are a number of ways to get out of it, depending on how aggressive the interviewer is. The easiest answer is to say that you're sure you can agree on a reasonable offer. If they demand a number, give them the number you would be willing to work for, even if it is a little below market. As long as you're making enough to keep you happy, you're doing OK, and if you get in and do a good job, they'll raise your salary to keep you.





This is probably not the answer you wanted, but it works, and this way, you don't burn bridges, and you might get the job.
Reply:Since you will be interviewing tomorrow, I would suggest listening very well to the job description. Anything that comes up that you were not aware of in the first place allows you the opportunity to negotiate the terms of your salary. Furthermore, depending on where you live now versus Washington D.C., you might be able to consider the "cost of living" factor into your salary adjustments. In any case, just be honest and let them know that you miscalculated. Just a couple of ideas. As for a "salary calculator", I don't think there is such a thing that would be of any use due to lack of accuracy based on occupation, cost of living, etc. Good luck with the interview tomorrow!
Reply:I would bring it up. I would say, after checking the living expense in the DC area, i understated what my starting salary could be, unless I get some other compensation i am not aware of, company paid unlimited cell phone, Internet service, performance bonus, expense account. Sometimes a company would rather compensate than to pay higher salary. (it drives up their taxes). Just make sure it is counted as an expense and not salary, (so you don't have to pay taxes on it),
Reply:For future reference when that question is asked say, It is negotiable and then ask a question about the company.





For now when the discussion starts have numbers to back you up. Go to Monster.com and see what employers are paying in D.C. for comparable work and use those numbers to your advantage.





"After further consideration the least amount of money I could accept is______". Make sure it is a few thousands dollars more than you would actually accept to give room to negotiate.
Reply:Go to http://www.salary.com





Go to the interview. Knock 'em dead. If they really like you they will up their offer.
Reply:I would take it if it pays good but make sure it aint like government cuz sometimes people will kill you in goverment