Salary Negotiation:

[Schneed10]

The safe bet is to request something in the middle of that 40K - 55K range.

They would prefer that you give a number because it helps them make a decision. If you don't give a number, you run the risk of them thinking this guy's making it too hard for us.

If it were me, I'd say something like "Well, I think $50K would be ideal, but $45K would work too." That puts you right in the middle of the range. You've got to pick the numbers that work for you (because if $45K doesn't work for you, then don't say so!).

Other things to consider, do you feel like you'd be a candidate that really stands out from others? Did you go to a stellar college, have a 4.0, have a graduate degree? If any of these are true, you can probably shoot for $50K or higher. If none are true, think $45K-$50K.

Decent starting salary any way you cut it. Good luck!