Career tip #9 Use Social Media tools and the Internet for a Salary Reality Check

It is important to develop a realistic view about starting salaries as you begin interviewing for your first job out of school or later as you may change jobs. Unlike the past there is plenty of data to be mined but you need to exert healthy skepticism as you gather and review these data. This questioning attitude is necessary regardless of the source, whether it is the Internet or data gained from friends, colleagues and/or family.

In my experience through networking and researching on-line sources, you can develop a sufficient understanding as to what is realistic pay for a job you seek and what is just wishful thinking.