Hello Where I live, job adverts are without range of earning that interviewee can expect. So during interview I have to say how much I want to earn - which is risky, while demanding too much will end the interview, and if I say small number - I can work for half of others pay.
What is key to know how much could I ask that will satisfy both sides?
The keys are experience and actually being competent enough to get the job. If you don't even know the ball park figure of what to ask then how do you know if you're capable of doing the job in the first place? I wouldn't hire someone who came in with an offer too low. It implies they lack the awareness of other staff.
It would be foolish to tell them how much you expect to make without knowing everything about the job, the conditions, the expectations... basically everything about the position.
If an employer is asking that immediately up front they are probably too cheap for a good developer anyway.
Just explain how you cant specify an amount without knowing everything. Worst case if you really have to, give them a broad range 20-30k worth (around here anyway)
figure out what you need, estimate what your skills are worth in the general market, ask for the greater of the two numbers, plus 25%, in case you need to negotiate
Even if the information isn't available in the ads themselves, there's probably some public information in your area about earning ranges for particular jobs. If anything, ask others who you know are working in the same field in your area.
Ask what the salary will be during the interview.
If they ask what your minimum is (which is not the optimum situation), just say a salary that you consider really good. Never give a bare, life support minimum, unless you're desperate to switch jobs for some reason.
Check out a site like salary.com and know what employers are paying for a position with similar responsibilities to yours.
Take into account the current job market to know how much demand there is for the skill-set you would bring to the table.
Talk to recruiters, they know a lot about the current job market.
Keep in mind, employers don't pay you for a job title, they pay for the value you add to their organization.
Go to one interview where you don't particularly like the job they offer, and ask for what you think is definitely too much.
If you get it... well, that will make you regret taking the job a lot less. ;)
If you don't, adjust the figure downwards next interview.
If you are a lucky and they are a rookie you can find out.
Them: "What type of salary are you expecting?"
You: "What is the salary range for this position?"
Them: "80 - 100K"
You: "100K is perfect for someone with my qualifications."
=)
In certain circumstances, you can look up exactly what the minimum and maximum for your pay grade would be. For instance, here's the Federal General Schedule. If those amounts don't gibe with your expectations, that should help you avoid wasting some time.