Getting the Salary You Deserve Starts During the Interview-Don’t Miss This Step!
Getting the Salary You Deserve Starts During the Interview-Don’t Miss This Step!
When discussing salary expectations during an interview, many job seekers are reluctant to put their "chips" on the table. Over the years and thousands of interviews, , most job seekers want to maximize their salary but have no idea how to! It's all too common. If you ask for less money, you may lose out to more affordable candidates. If you don't ask for enough, you may get the job only to find out that others at the same company make a lot more than you for the same position. In many states, it is illegal to ask what someone is making. The workaround is to ask a job seeker in an interview what they need!
It's essential to approach the conversation professionally and effectively. Here are five strategies to help you convey their desired compensation without it being challenging:
- Do your research before the interview. The biggest mistake I see is people are interviewing for jobs that will never pay them what they want. If a company has a salary range, that is where the job will pay. For job seekers, if it isn't on the job posting, you must do additional research. Gather information about salary ranges for similar positions with websites like Glassdoor and PayScale. This knowledge will empower you to have an informed discussion about your salary expectations.
- Focus on the value you bring. Acing the interview will make any employer go out of their way to add you to their team. Interviewing well means you showcased your value at previous companies and gave plenty of examples of how you would do the same for them By demonstrating your worth; you can indirectly convey that you expect fair compensation for your expertise. You want them to indeed come after you!
- Provide a salary range. Instead of stating a fixed number, offer a salary range that aligns with what the employer is paying and any research. If the job pays $50,000, tell them you like to be $48,000-$55,000. Make sure the range includes your desired salary but also considers industry standards and the specific responsibilities of the role. Do not make the mistake of going below your desired salary.
- Discuss the compensation package. Rather than solely focusing on base salary, consider the total compensation package. Benefits, bonuses, stock options, and other perks can significantly impact the overall value of a job offer. During the interview, please express your interest in understanding the complete compensation package to ensure it meets your expectations. Compensation packages are just not base salaries. Look at your current deductions for things like healthcare. If you spend $250.00 per month or $3,000 per month, that is a hard cost. If your new employer has no deductions, this can be added to your salary.
- Delay the salary discussion. Suppose the hiring manager brings up the topic of salary expectations early in the interview process. In that case, you can politely express your interest in discussing it further once you understand the role and its responsibilities. This approach allows you to gather more information about the position and make a more informed decision when discussing compensation. Tell them if the employer still reassures you if the job lines up, and you will consider their most substantial offer. You already know the salary range, and it should fit your expectations.
Remember, the goal is to approach the salary discussion professionally and constructively. By using these strategies, you can navigate the conversation effectively while conveying your compensation expectations positively and reasonably.