You have managed to receive an interview for that great job ... the job interview has gone well, and you've established a good rapport with the hiring managers ... just a couple more minutes to go ... Oh no! They just inquired about salary expectations!
That's where you'll be glad that you did that research early in advance. If you didn't, and aren't sure where to start, here are some ideas.
Analyzing Salaries
Generally if the salary is not really stated in the job description, you must figure out what the job is definitely worth. Sometimes you can be asked to provide your expectations as part of your resume cover letter, in other cases it'll come up in an interview. But the key is to be prepared for this question, as it usually pops up.
Practically no one magic figure when aiming to determine salary for any particular position. It all depends on market conditions, the company, geographical location, size of the city alongside your own skills and experience compared with other applicants. So how will you find what a job is really worth? Try to utilize a combination of methods to get as best a range as you can. These can include:
discover similar advertised jobs which does state an income range
research salaries around the internet, using career websites, skilled professional association web pages and search engines (we've provided some beginning points by the end of this article) - is there a interest in your skills?
search for a local Human Resource Centre of Canada office
talk with people in similar careers
What direction to go if you are asked to provide salary expectations in your cover letter?
Many companies ask applicants to provide salary expectations inside their cover letter. This is usually carried out to screen out job seekers who expect a higher salary than the employer is prepared to offer. Try to respond by having a neutral statement, emphasizing that the opportunity is the most important consideration within your decision and you would give thought to any reasonable offer. If needed, give a range of what you are willing to accept instead of a fixed dollar amount.
Salary discussions during the interview
Never raise up salary during interviews. Always allow the employer bring it up. The same principles apply as above for resume cover letters. Having said that, try to postpone salary discussions until after a proposal is done. Indicate that you'll be open for negotiation but would rather wait until after the hiring decision has been given. Again, if you believe that possibly they are really pushing for a figure, be sure to give a range, not just a specific dollar amount and inform them it depends on the entire package along with benefits.
Don't worry if salary is not discussed during the first interview. It likely will come in the 2nd or at the latest, once you get a proposal! Actually, salary is often best left for discussion until once the employer has decided that they would like to hire you. By carrying this out, you minimize the risk of taking yourself out from the running.
When a deal is created - Negotiating Salary
Employers can occasionally offer you a salary amount when an offer is created. Take some time to think over it; a couple of days is generally acceptable. Seeing that they've decided they want to hire you, you may be in a position to negotiate a little. But you need to decide what you will be prepared to accept, taking into consideration the likelihood of receiving other offers, etc. Take all factors into account when making your choice, along with the salary, level of responsibility, working conditions, opportunities for further education,, etc. Ask about extended health and dental insurance, education re-imbursement plans, vacation, etc.
Consider negotiating in a few perks instead if the organization has a rigid salary structure. Depending on the level of the job and current economic conditions, consider asking about a signing bonus, paid professional development, access to your working computer for home use and/or stock options. A flexible time-table and operating from home occasionally are often possible. Note: in the event the economy is at a downturn, a number of these perks will never be available (eg. signing bonuses) so make use of your judgement and good sense when deciding just how much room you have to negotiate.
Everybody is apprehensive (in other words, scared!) about negotiating for benefits and salaries. You shouldn't be... it is extremely common. But do make sure to remain professional about it! No matter what, you shouldn't be rude or arrogant. Think carefully about what makes you worth an increased salary compared to the one they've offered, and be ready to articulate this to the employer. It's during this time that you will be glad you did your thorough research.
That's where you'll be glad that you did that research early in advance. If you didn't, and aren't sure where to start, here are some ideas.
Analyzing Salaries
Generally if the salary is not really stated in the job description, you must figure out what the job is definitely worth. Sometimes you can be asked to provide your expectations as part of your resume cover letter, in other cases it'll come up in an interview. But the key is to be prepared for this question, as it usually pops up.
Practically no one magic figure when aiming to determine salary for any particular position. It all depends on market conditions, the company, geographical location, size of the city alongside your own skills and experience compared with other applicants. So how will you find what a job is really worth? Try to utilize a combination of methods to get as best a range as you can. These can include:
discover similar advertised jobs which does state an income range
research salaries around the internet, using career websites, skilled professional association web pages and search engines (we've provided some beginning points by the end of this article) - is there a interest in your skills?
search for a local Human Resource Centre of Canada office
talk with people in similar careers
What direction to go if you are asked to provide salary expectations in your cover letter?
Many companies ask applicants to provide salary expectations inside their cover letter. This is usually carried out to screen out job seekers who expect a higher salary than the employer is prepared to offer. Try to respond by having a neutral statement, emphasizing that the opportunity is the most important consideration within your decision and you would give thought to any reasonable offer. If needed, give a range of what you are willing to accept instead of a fixed dollar amount.
Salary discussions during the interview
Never raise up salary during interviews. Always allow the employer bring it up. The same principles apply as above for resume cover letters. Having said that, try to postpone salary discussions until after a proposal is done. Indicate that you'll be open for negotiation but would rather wait until after the hiring decision has been given. Again, if you believe that possibly they are really pushing for a figure, be sure to give a range, not just a specific dollar amount and inform them it depends on the entire package along with benefits.
Don't worry if salary is not discussed during the first interview. It likely will come in the 2nd or at the latest, once you get a proposal! Actually, salary is often best left for discussion until once the employer has decided that they would like to hire you. By carrying this out, you minimize the risk of taking yourself out from the running.
When a deal is created - Negotiating Salary
Employers can occasionally offer you a salary amount when an offer is created. Take some time to think over it; a couple of days is generally acceptable. Seeing that they've decided they want to hire you, you may be in a position to negotiate a little. But you need to decide what you will be prepared to accept, taking into consideration the likelihood of receiving other offers, etc. Take all factors into account when making your choice, along with the salary, level of responsibility, working conditions, opportunities for further education,, etc. Ask about extended health and dental insurance, education re-imbursement plans, vacation, etc.
Consider negotiating in a few perks instead if the organization has a rigid salary structure. Depending on the level of the job and current economic conditions, consider asking about a signing bonus, paid professional development, access to your working computer for home use and/or stock options. A flexible time-table and operating from home occasionally are often possible. Note: in the event the economy is at a downturn, a number of these perks will never be available (eg. signing bonuses) so make use of your judgement and good sense when deciding just how much room you have to negotiate.
Everybody is apprehensive (in other words, scared!) about negotiating for benefits and salaries. You shouldn't be... it is extremely common. But do make sure to remain professional about it! No matter what, you shouldn't be rude or arrogant. Think carefully about what makes you worth an increased salary compared to the one they've offered, and be ready to articulate this to the employer. It's during this time that you will be glad you did your thorough research.
About the Author:
When selecting a salary guidelines you must understand you should research first. Have a look at here If you wish to continue researching. Happy career searching!
No comments:
Post a Comment