Dear J.T. & Dale: You recently talked about employers asking potential employees to state salary requirements before being interviewed. My problem is that my salary requirements might change depending on benefits and schedule. Is it OK to give a range? – Flynn

J.T.: Sure it is. Benefits and job requirements do directly affect pay, and you shouldn’t feel bad at all about making a nice broad range to reflect that. Some people will make as much as a 25 to 33 percent differential.

Dale: Agreed, but expect questions about that range. We’ve all learned to be suspicious of “starting at” and “as low as,” and a salary range can set off the same warning lights. One job applicant recently went on an interview, and the first thing the hiring manager said was: “The most we can pay is the low end of your range, and if you’re really wanting more than that, we shouldn’t even bother talking.”

But hiring managers understand there are apple jobs and orange jobs. Are nights and weekends part of the deal? Are star performers considered to be the folks who work 60-plus hours per week? Let prospective employers know these things play a role in your decision, but that ultimately, the job opportunity itself, along with your belief you can succeed for the company, will determine your final decision.