How Much Am I Worth?

It's a funny question to ask yourself, how much you are worth... but with the new job search I am forced to ask myself in terms of salary requirements.  Today I was asked for salary requirements for a job that I didn't know much about, and it was for a non-profit.  In their email they asked for salary requirements then said "keep in mind we are a small not for-profit organization"... which is great because that's what I wanted to work for... but at the same time that brought on the deliema.

Here's the problem... if I ask for too much they will dismiss me and be insulted... which is bad.  If I don't ask for enough I 1. under value myself and 2. could miss out on a larger salary.... so how do you find out what to ask for???  Here is what I did.  First I asked my career counselor and got her opinion.  I also emailed someone who I know does the same job for another company in another city... she told me her starting salary, which I took into consideration with the cost of living in her city and Seattle.  I also went to Salary.com's salary wizard and used their free service to give me a window to go with.  I took all that into consideration and threw my hat in the ring.... so we'll see.

I do want to end on something extra positive.  I don't have the job yet, but the job that asked for the salary requirements came from out of the blue.  A few months ago I sent out cold call letters, essentially a resume with a cover letter saying "hey I know you don't have a job opening, I wanted to let you know that I'm available... and awesome!"  Anyhow, they emailed me then out of the blue!  They held on to my resume and when an opening came available that I was a good candidate for they emailed me!  It was a great surprise... and could lead to an amazing birthday!!!!