What does that new job really pay?
You’re in
the middle of a job interview. Things are going well. The interviewer seems
impressed with your previous experience and the skills you could bring to the
open position. You’re feeling confident and excited. And then it happens! The
interviewer says “What salary are you expecting?”
Or “What would it take to bring you aboard?”
The Information
you need in order to respond
1.
You
need to know what the going rate of pay is, in this geographical location, for
the work you do- before you go into the interview.
2.
And,
from this employer, you need to know more than the salary figure; you need to
know the value of the benefits package. Without this information, you can't
answer the salary question confidently.
Comparison
salary information for professional positions is available from a number of
websites, such as www.salary.com; www.salaryexpert.com; www.jobstar.org; www.Homefair.com. You’ll get a general idea,
although some have found the figures slightly inflated.
If
possible, (and this is possible more often than you might think) find out the
salary range offered by the organization. Check previous job announcements or,
if known, current employees. In any case, it is best to respond to the
interviewer with the following question: “What
salary range do you typically offer for this position to a person with my
experience?”
So what do
you say next…after you have asked for the company’s salary range? You indicate
your continued interest and say that you cannot give a precise answer without
knowing about their compensation package. Keep in mind that both you and the
employer are “buying” and you need to know what you are buying and its full
value.
The
Package
Medical
Insurance: Premium costs? Co-pay?
Deductibles?
Additional Benefits: Disability insurance and life insurance? Vacation
and Medical Leave. How long must you work before
accruing leave? What is the annual allowance for each?
Mistakes
to avoid:
1. Do not
to ask your questions regarding compensation in the context of neediness.
Employers do not feel responsible for meeting your financial obligations or
covering your medical problems.
2. Do not
base your salary expectations solely on your previous salary. When taking a new
position, of similar responsibility, you may find that the salary scale is
lower. Your level of experience might earn you an offer at the higher end of
the scale, but the employer will not feel obligated to match your previous
salary. A common and serious mistake made by candidates is to view the previous
salary as the baseline, expecting that the employer will do so also. Many a
“good” position has been lost that way. Of course, I am assuming that you’ve
completed an Analysis
of Requirements and that you have determined the absolute bottom
line in terms of your salary package.
If you
would like a free copy of the Analysis of
Requirements Form that
will give you s a more comprehensive list of potential benefits , just contact me via email.
(ritaatrcmassociates.com). Put Request for
Analysis of Requirements in the subject line.
In support of your success…
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