However, as for the dollar figure, I. When you're in the middle of a job interview or even filling out an application, you don't know how to answer: “What are your salary expectations? it can make you panic. You don't want to say something too loud and end up charging you the price of a job you want or need, and you don't want to say something too low and end up not charging what you could or should earn. You may also be afraid that the interviewer will judge you harshly or unfairly based on your monetary choice.
Lucky for you, we have all the tips and guidelines you need to confidently address any questions related to salary expectations and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. By the way, “What are your salary expectations? is a different question than “What is your current salary? which is illegal for companies to ask in some states and cities. So unlike many other common interview questions, your answer is “What is your desired salary? could disqualify you from being considered for a job. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, as you might not be able to accept or enjoy a position that doesn't pay you enough.
Talking about salary from the start also ensures that neither the candidate nor the company “waste time and effort in several rounds of interviews to discover that the salary is far below what you want,” says Jennifer Fink, executive director and founder of the executive coaching firm Fink Development. Maybe the interviewer needs you to tell them a number, or maybe they'll tell you what they're offering and ask you to react. Either way, “some processes won't move forward until they know that a candidate is salary-appropriate,” Fink says. Eonnet suggests, beyond your immediate network, that you get in touch with the friends of your friends on LinkedIn who have recently left an organization or a job what you're looking for.
Consider all of these factors in advance to be prepared to respond based on your real needs and don't accidentally accept a salary “where you eat Top Ramen and MoonPies every day,” Crawford says. When setting your salary range, Eonnet adds, “you should start with what's comfortable as a butt”. In your response, “it's usually worth noting that salary is just one component of what you're looking for and that you're considering salary as part of a global opportunity,” Fink says. You can also reiterate what you bring to a potential employer when formulating your response to support the rank you're offering, Crawford says.
The company is getting something for its investment: a great employee. Eonnet recommends that all its clients practice their answers out loud, with a friend or family member, several times before speaking to Human Resources. In addition to the way you want to frame it, practice justifying your rank or answer. Finally, she suggests approaching the conversation with enthusiasm and positivity, in the hope of matching the energy of the person you're talking to.
Also keep in mind that it's not just about reaching a commitment, but it's also an opportunity for the hiring manager to evaluate your communication and dealing with people skills. Crawford's secret recipe for successful salary negotiations is to “come from a place of collaboration and service.” By giving a salary range, you show that you are willing to be flexible and to work with your potential employer. And by giving any number, you're “expressing the value you bring,” Crawford says. Demonstrating that you have done your research and that you know your worth tells the interviewer that you are serious about your skills and what you can bring to their company.
You can also answer the question “What are your salary expectations? simply asking how much the company wants to pay. Then you can follow up with questions about the benefits that matter most to you, such as the 401 (k) plan counterpart or the additional PTO. When you're still learning the scope of a position and the benefits the company offers, you may want to delay answering questions about your salary expectations. Examples of how to delay answering: “What are your salary expectations? Crawford points out that, in an interview, they basically ask you: “Why should we invest in you? Knowing how much that investment is worth is an essential piece of the puzzle for you and your potential employer. When Joyel Crawford, career advisor and host of the Career View Mirror podcast, was working on hiring, the main reason she asked about salary was to evaluate the candidate's expectations for a job in relation to the budget allocated for the position.
If you are a university student applying for an internship, your answer must be very different from that of someone who has been working in the industry for 5 years to fill a specialized position as a project leader. Use all of the tips below to find an acceptable salary number or range for you, so that no matter how you plan to answer questions about your salary expectations, you know what you're ultimately looking for. Eloise Eonnet, a professional advisor at Muse and director of the communication consultancy Eloquence Coaching, warns job seekers to lead with an open mind when they approach discussions about salary expectations.
