Salary Info | The Communication Blog

Friday, June 22, 2012

Salary Info

By Steven Atkil


You've managed to get a meeting towards the great job ... the interview has gone well, and you've established an excellent rapport with the hiring managers ... only a couple more minutes to go ... Oh no! They just asked about salary expectations!

That's where you will certainly be glad that you just did that research beforehand. If you didn't, and aren't sure where to start, follow this advice.

Discovering Salaries

Generally if the salary is simply not written in the job description, you need to determine what the job may be worth. Sometimes you may be asked to provide your expectations in your cover letter, sometimes it's going to arise in an interview. But the key is to be prepared with this question, mainly because it usually comes up.

Practically no 1 magic figure when trying to determine salary for your particular position. This will depend 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 determine what a job is worth? Try try using a combination of different ways to get as best a range as can be. These can sometimes include:

discover similar advertised jobs which does state an income range

research salaries about the, using career web sites, expert association web pages and search engines (we've provided some starting points towards the end with this article) - what's the demand for your abilities?

search for a local Human Resource Centre of Canada office

talk to people in similar careers

What direction to go when you are asked to provide salary expectations inside your cover letter?

Many companies ask applicants to provide salary expectations inside their cover letter. This is frequently performed to screen out job seekers who expect a greater salary as opposed to the employer is willing to offer. Try to answer by using a neutral statement, emphasizing that the opportunity is the most essential consideration in your own decision and you would look into any reasonable offer. When necessary, provide a reasonable range of what you will be prepared to accept rather than a set 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 next or at the very latest, once you get an offer! The truth is, salary is often best left for discussion until after the employer has decided that they would like to hire you. By this method, 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 some perks instead if the organization provides a rigid salary structure. Depending in the level of the job and current economic conditions, consider asking about a signing bonus, paid professional development, having access to your working computer for personal use and/or stock options. A flexible work schedule and operating from home occasionally can even be possible. Note: if the economy is in a downturn, several of these perks will not 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 remember to remain professional about it! No matter what, don't be rude or arrogant. Think carefully about what makes you worth a better salary than the one they've offered, and be in a position to articulate this towards the employer. It's during this time that you will be glad you did your thorough research.




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