We have tackled this issues
in a different forum but I feel still we need to advise you about interview
matters concerning this line because most of you are still emailing asking
about it. Salary negotiations are a sensitive and complex issue. If possible,
try to avoid discussing the salary in the first interview. However, if the
issue is raised by the interviewer, prepare yourself to respond accordingly.
Today, I want us to tackle the dos and don’ts of this question:
If you want to respond to this question well enough to satisfy the
interviewer, then avoid the following:
- Never think that salary expectations are not your concern: Most interviewees face a dilemma; what salary should I ask for, that is not too high, not too low and yet acceptable for all sides? Some would try to avoid this question by stating that the salary is not the important issue in the job. In most cases, this is simply not true, even if the salary is in fact not the most important factor in your job application it is probably a consideration and indeed it should be. Therefore, trying to create an impression that the salary does not concern you actually is counter-productive. It indicates that you have trouble coping with the question and may even insinuate that you under value yourself or have low self esteem. Some interviewees will quote a figure that is low, concerned that if they quote a high figure it may compromise their chances of success. This tactic achieves the same result; it suggests that you under value yourself.
- Never think that you should quote a high salary figure: Some interviewees may quote a very high figure thinking that if they do so it shows that they value themselves and perhaps may impress the interviewer. This too, will achieve a negative result. If you aim too high the interviewer may conclude that the disparity between what the employer can offer and your expectation is excessive and in fact there is no point making an offer. Moreover, the interviewer may conclude that your expectations are unrealistic for the job description.
So, careerstom what should I do?
This can be your question right now but if you look at our past articles you
will tackle this question very well. But let me tell you that salary
expectations should be based on 5 factors:
- The salary you earned in your last position.
- The salary standards in the industry.
- The current market situation: It's all a question of supply and demand. If demand is currently high in your profession, you can suggest a higher salary and offer a tougher bargain. If the opposite is true you may have to compromise.
- Your work experience and qualifications / credentials: The more experience and / or qualifications you have the more your services are 'worth' to the employer in some professions the work experience is more important than the credentials; in other professions it's the other way around and yet in others it may be a combination of both.
- The salary you aim for.
Please ask what you feel
you deserve and do not assume that employers will always prefer an applicant
that has lower salary expectations. On the contrary, if you managed to impress
the employer, they are likely to seriously consider hiring you despite the fact
that your salary expectation may be higher than a fellow candidate. Hence,
making a good impression in the interview subsequently elevates your salary
negotiation point.
The two leading tips to answering
this question are:
- Try to deflect the question by inquiring the interviewer what they are offering.
- Rather than quoting a figure present a range.
So when should I raise
the salary question? The negotiations are
always a complex and delicate matter; consequently it is wise to postpone it to
the crucial meeting or point in the interview after most other issues have been
dealt with. If you have more than one interview, then use the first interview
as an initial platform to make the right impression. After you have made a
positive impression your start-off point for negotiation will be favorable; a
potential employer is more likely to view your salary request positively at
that stage.
In answering this question,
I will advice that you go for a wide range.
All the best guys.
HCC
