Salary Negotiation
Okay, if you haven't felt the need to do any research for the position to this point, NOW'S THE TIME!
Yes, salary negotiations begin with an understanding by both sides on what a competitive salary is...at least a ball-park figure, some number within $5,000, plus or minus. You'll also need to consider "total compensation", such as time off, bonuses, medical expense payments, etc. The job bulletin may contain some of this information.
Because the salary rate varies, country to country, state to state, and year to year, you always have to do fresh research on what it means to make a "competitive salary."
You can use online services, call the organization's competitors, talk to others working in the field to give you an idea of the position's worth. Be careful if they are a government agency, salaries don't always translate between state and county or city work.
The salary may already be set, you're negotiating for where in the salary band you'll be starting.
Your previous salary, education level, and experience are all factors used to place you in the right salary band; be flexible and honest about your worth.
In Salary Negotiation, Don't...
- Lie about previous pay rates, exaggerate a little, fudge, etc. The organization will do a reference check and ask for confirmation on the salary figure that you give.
- Put salary figures in your resume, your performance must be described; you aren't to be valued based on what you were paid.
- Compare yourself to others working in other organizations. Salary surveys are accomplished by organizations in order to remain competitive and what you see may not be all there is to look at when making those comparisons. Remember to consider total compensation.
- Discuss how much money you NEED; bosses really don't need to know about your high bills or your car payment.
Now that the interview is over, it's time to write that
follow up thank you letter...
Interview Resources
- Complete Interview Guide
- Complete Interview Guide with Supervision Interview Guide
- HR Professional Interview Guide
- HR Professional Supervisor's Interview Guide
- Supervision Interview Guide
- Interviewer's Question Bank
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