No job search is complete without answering the necessary question: ‘what should my salary be?’ The answer isn’t always simple, but in today’s post, we’ll provide some answers that will hopefully make having the compensation question less frightening and, hopefully, a better overall experience for anyone in the job search process. Here are three steps to tacking the salary question:
Step 1: Do Your Research
As we’ve mentioned before, preparation is essential for the job interview - and determining what your salary requirements are going to be is no different. Any seasoned job seeker will tell you to plan on spending copious amounts of time researching your potential employer, developing your personal brand, and analyzing the job description. However, when it comes to compensation and benefits, it’s easy to forget to do your homework. When researching what salary requirements you think you’re going to need in your next role, it’s important that tap into your resources to figure out the best possible option. By speaking with peers in your industry, reaching out to professionals through your online social networks, and checking out websites such as salary.com, you can easily get a good idea of what the average compensation value is for a professional in your field given your experience. Of course, you will need to keep in mind that years of experience, geographic location, education, and other factors contribute to how salaries are typically calculated when you’re conducting your research. The cost of living varies considerably among US cities and states - as do benefits packages between organizations. Oftentimes job seekers are caught off-guard when it comes to the issue of salary and their job search. For that reason, preparation is crucial so that you won’t be blindsided if the topic happens to arise at the interview.
Step 2: Let The Employer Make The First Move
Even though it’s an important factor in the job search process, many experts say to never initiate the salary discussion in a job interview setting. You never know the employers’ preferences are on the issue, so it is best to just simply avoid stepping on the fragile topic - especially if they employer didn’t list the salary in the job description. Initiating the question of pay can ultimately make or break an applicant’s chance of being hired, mainly due to the fact that many employers see this type of question as impatient and rude. Not to mention it paints the picture that you’re only really concerned about the money - which doesn’t normally sit well with employers who are looking to hire qualified, loyal, and hard-working candidates. Although it is important not to ask the question prematurely, you shouldn’t disregard the topic entirely. As with anything in the job search, there is a time and place for the salary discussion, and that usually happens and the end of the application/interview process. When an employer asserts his or her commitment to the candidate (offers you the job), you know it’s time to have the salary conversation. Until then, keep it together and be patient.
So now begs the question, “What if they employer initiates the salary discussion?” - and there’s no definitive answer. Some may find it best to blurt out a number on the spot, while others may be inclined to take a little time to weigh the options. Either way, there are several ways to respectfully dodge stating an exact number and coming across as overly confident. The three R’s can help you when you are caught off-guard in an interview with the salary question:
- Revisit: You can ask to revisit the question about salary when you are further along in the interview process.
- Repackage: You can repackage the question and answer the inquiry with another question, “Would you happen to know what the starting salary for this position is given someone with my experience and skills?”
- Range: You can state that you are flexible with the salary and that you are willing to negotiate. You can also politely affirm a salary range that you expect based on your research and your experienced skillset.
*Side Note: When completing a job application it is preferred to enter “negotiable” within the salary requirement. Remember, never lie about past compensations in an effort to get a higher level of compensation.
Step 3: Exercise Assertive Humility
In order to be comfortable discussing compensation, it means having some level of understanding about the art of negotiation. Go in to a salary discussion knowing what you as an employee are worth to their organization - and don’t settle for anything less. If your job offer comes with a salary that doesn’t match your self-determined value, do not be afraid speak up (or put it in writing). It is vital that when you do state your perspective, remember to be humbly assertive (with an emphasis on being humble). Coming across as too demanding may lead to an unwanted result, but approaching the conversation with a respectful mentality towards your would-be employer and supporting your argument is the best way to go.
Although the salary conversation can seem daunting, doing your research, maintaining a level of professionalism and patience, and keeping a humbly assertive attitude throughout the process can potentially win over any employer’s expectations - and even exceed yours - in the quest for the perfect salary.
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In negotiations, you have to ascertain who has the advantage. Is it you or your prospective employer? Once you have determined your position, you can proceed with negotiations. Do you need the job or do you want the job?For example, if you are financially enslaved by debt, all you can do is put up a good front and hope you get the best you can get. If you are financially secure, however, you are in a greater bargaining position and can demand your terms.