"Salary requested" or "State your previous salary"

[Loc-out]

Why is it, that some employers when advertising for personal, want to know what salary you expect, or previous salary?

What is the mindset, when they request this info?

I don't think it is any of their business and find it rather sinister when I see an advert requesting this info or I am asked directly.

[411A]

Put very simply...if you have no idea what you think you are worth, it ain't worth the trouble for the company to consider.
Period.

[Loc-out]

Good point.

Would these companies operate on a 2, 3, 4,..... etc. tare pay schedule?? If they do, real great for moral that.

[fireflybob]

Yes 411A but I know what I am worth but the only trouble is that they (the employers) don't seem to know what I am worth!!

[Spartacan]

I applied for a job recently which asked for salary expectations. I chose a figure, after careful thought, which reflected what I am worth.

I got a straight rejection for a postition I was appropriately qualified for and guess I pitched things too high.

Why they ask these questions I am not sure. Perhaps they are feeling the way round for the lowest possible salary?