A few tips about the on job applications:

☛ Consider how competitive the market is for your skills and let that inform the number you put down. If the market is saturated then you do not have as much to leverage. Do your research to understand how in-demand your skills are and what the typical compensation package looks like.

☛ Look at your current salary and typical salary progression for the industry you are in. If you are switching industries, look at the progression within the new industry. You may have to aim lower or higher depending on what you are looking to transition into.

☛ Determine your walk away number and put down a salary 10-15% higher. That way, you know you will be okay with the lowest salary offered to you.

☛ If there is an opportunity to list a range, do so but make sure the lower end of the range is a number you're comfortable with.