As promising as the opportunity may be, there is no denying that salary is an important factor when accepting a job offer. For many of us, being fairly rewarded for our skills and experience affects job satisfaction. But when is the right time to talk about salary at the job interview?
It is important to approach the salary conversation with your prospective employer at the right time and with the right preparation. Failure to do so may compromise your chance of securing a place.
Here are three factors to consider before starting to discuss salary during the selection process.
Before I start talking about salary in the interview:
1. Avoid salary conversations during the dating phase
The first interview is an opportunity for the employer to get to know you and identify your attributes and strengths. Before starting a dialogue about your salary expectations, you need to show suitability for the role and ensure that the job is right for you.
Waiting until the second or third interview is the most sensible thing to do when discussing salary. When you are confident that the company is interested, you can put your cards on the table.
2. Don’t imply that money is your only motivator
While higher pay opportunities can be a catalyst for your decision to change jobs, suggesting that this is your biggest motivation is a serious mistake.
Discussing salary during the initial interview or referring to it in your cover letter or resume can send the message that you value the dollar signs rather than opportunity and experience.
3. Make sure to leave room for negotiation
When you decide to discuss your salary, provide your preferred salary range. Showing that you are flexible is the first step in negotiating better pay with your employer.
Arm yourself with information by consulting colleagues in your industry and reviewing a Salary Guide to assess where you fit into the market. If you do your research, you will negotiate better. Before talking about money, remember to put yourself in your potential employer’s shoes. If you wait until you prove your worth, you will probably get the best result.
Get ready for the conversation
Now, if you think the topic of salary will be raised, here are some important tips to remember when you should start discussing salary in an interview:
Get your numbers correctly
Do your homework well! Research the latest salary trends for your city, sector and position, reviewing surveys and publications on compensation, such as Robert Half’s Salary Guide, and talking to colleagues and recruiters.
Present a solid case when discussing salaries
You need to be able to specifically talk about your past skills, experiences and successes, especially those that have had a measurable effect on results.
You will definitely benefit when it comes time for wage negotiation. Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the vacancy – your passion can be contagious.
Don’t get ahead of yourself
Wait for the recruiter to start the salary discussion and make sure you fully understand the job requirements before answering questions about your missed salary.
Ask potential employers what they think would be an appropriate salary range for the position, so that you avoid giving a high or low value when discussing salary.
Don’t bluff
It is never a good choice to mislead a potential employer about your current pay or other higher-paying job offers in an attempt to get more money. Instead, emphasize the value you can add to the organization when discussing salary and be honest about your desired pay.
When it comes to getting a job offer and negotiating a salary, here are some considerations:
- Always try to negotiate – if you receive a salary that does not meet your expectations, it is okay to request additional compensation. Employers can start at the lower end of their salary bracket, leaving room for change.
- Think beyond the payment package – check the full picture when evaluating a job offer. The job you love can offer a generous benefits package or opportunities to learn and grow with the company, which can compensate for a lower starting salary.
- Do it in writing – Before accepting a job offer, make sure you receive a written offer stating your salary. It is never a good idea to formally accept a job offer without seeing it in writing.
