About Jobs

A major concern of attending an interview is the part where the interviewer may most likely ask you of your expected salary. Now how do you answer this tricky question, you would want to be realist and also what you want exactly. It is best to consider what you want from the company that you hope to get employed at. Do not waste your time on a company that does not pay your worth, for this you must know how employers decide salary levels and you must adjust your job search accordingly. Many hesitate to discuss their salary or even to negotiate what is being offered. Be confident and know your worth so that you can be reasonable when you negotiate. Do not be outright outrageous with your demand.

Employers use several benchmarks to decide your salary; they look at average pay at other similar industries or institutions, experience counts and pay according to location. To know if you have struck a reasonable deal, you must be knowledgeable of the same too. Asking for a pay higher than the norm is an immediate let down.

If you are the one being interviewed, do not be the first to bring up a discussion about salary. Wait for the “boss” to bring it up. If you are the first to bring it up, it will most likely send across a message that you lay undue importance on monetary benefits than being a good fit for the company. Even if the recruiter bring up discussions about salary long before your qualifications have been stated, gently stir clear of the subject and state your qualification to convince them of what you rightfully deserve. Use the right tone and let the employer know that you are ready to listen to their concerns too. Convince the employer with the benefits the company will receive by employing you and what you can deliver.

Employers with limited resources may still want to keep you and tell you what they can offer, this is when you have to decide if you want to take the job and if you do want to take the job it would be best to negotiate performance pay. Ask if they would be willing to pay bonus based on performance and discuss about delivering measurable results and an increase in salary. If you do come to terms on any incentives, do get it in writing during the hiring process itself so that there are no issues later on.

Discussion of salary should not be limited to cash but must also include an understanding on non-cash benefits and incentives. Practice the entire conversation with a friend or family member or with yourself at the mirror, so that you know how you will put yourself in words politely and reasonably.