One of the most important stages of any interview is the salary discussion.
This question causes certain difficulties for many candidates, since incorrectly stated expectations can both scare off a potential employer and create conditions for dissatisfaction with one’s own salary in the future.
Let's look at how to correctly assess your capabilities and voice the desired amount at an interview.
Preparing for a Salary Conversation
Preparation for an interview should begin long before the meeting with the employer.
It’s important to do your research on the job market and figure out what salary expectations are appropriate for your industry, your specific region, and your level of experience. Here are some steps to help you assess what salary to ask for:
Labor market analysis: study vacancies on job search websites, pay attention to salary offers for positions similar to yours.
It is important to consider not only the position, but also the specifics of the company, the region and the required work experience.
Communication with the professional community: communication with colleagues in the industry, participation in professional forums and discussions will help to get an idea of real salaries on the market. Often, information obtained from such sources is more reliable than data from job sites.
Evaluate your own experience and qualifications: compare your skills, experience and achievements with those required by employers. The higher your competencies and the more unique your experience, the higher you can value your work.
For example, having rare and in-demand skills can significantly increase your market value.
Defining your “comfort zone”: Think about what minimum wage is acceptable to you. It should cover your basic needs and also allow you to feel comfortable financially.
However, you shouldn't limit yourself to just the minimum amount - it's important to have an idea of the amount you really want to receive.
Consider additional factors: consider not only salary, but also other compensation packages: bonuses, insurance, mobile phone payments, the possibility of remote work, flexible hours, corporate discounts, and so on.
Sometimes lower wages can be compensated by favorable working conditions.
When and How to Discuss Salary in an Interview
The issue of salary may be raised by both the employer and you. However, it is important to remember that you should not rush into discussing this issue. It is usually logical to discuss salary at the final stages of the interview, when you have already demonstrated your skills and qualifications and discussed the main aspects of the job.
When to discuss salary: If your employer doesn't bring up salary, you can bring it up once all other aspects of the job have been agreed upon and you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you. Ideally, salary is discussed at the last meeting, before the employment contract is signed.
How to set your expectations: When it comes to discussing salary, it’s important to set your expectations confidently and clearly. Use phrases that indicate your willingness to negotiate and respect for the employer’s position, such as: “Based on my experience and skills, as well as my analysis of the market, I expect a salary of ...”. If you’re open to discussion, you can add: “Of course, I’m open to discussion and ready to consider your offer.”
Justifying your expectations: It is important to be prepared to justify your salary expectations. You can refer to market research, your own achievements, unique skills and competencies that you bring to the company. Prepare specific examples of how your experience will help the company succeed and why you are worth the amount you are voicing.
How to negotiate salary
Salary negotiations require not only careful preparation, but also certain negotiation skills. Here are some tips to help you negotiate successfully.
Be prepared to compromise: It’s important to understand that employers also have their own budgets and limits. If the amount offered is lower than your expectations, try to negotiate additional benefits or working conditions that can compensate for the difference. For example, a more flexible schedule or the possibility of remote work can be a great alternative if the salary does not fully meet your expectations.
Don't be afraid to ask questions: If an employer offers a salary that seems unreasonably low to you, don't be afraid to ask what factors influence this offer. The company may have internal restrictions that can be discussed and changed if you prove your value.
Confidence: It is important to be confident in your abilities and not to agree to the first amount offered if it does not suit you. Remember that the employer values your time and skills, and if you feel that the offer does not meet your expectations, it is worth arguing your position.
Long-term perspective: It is important to consider not only the current salary, but also the prospects for career growth in the company. If the company has opportunities for a raise or salary recalculation in the future, this should also be discussed during the interview. Often, employers are willing to offer a raise after a certain time or after achieving specific results.
Mistakes to Avoid
Discussing salary is a crucial moment, where it is easy to make mistakes. Let's look at the main ones.
Lowering your expectations: One of the most common mistakes is lowering your expectations out of fear of losing your job. This can lead to you feeling undervalued and your motivation to work will decrease. It is important to adequately assess your skills and experience and not be afraid to voice a realistic amount.
Avoiding salary discussions: Some candidates are afraid to discuss salary and hope that the employer will offer a decent amount. However, this may result in you receiving an offer that you are not happy with, and it will be more difficult to negotiate at this stage.
Too high a request: On the other hand, overestimating your expectations can scare off the employer. It is important to be realistic and understand how much your skills are worth in the labor market.
Comparison with others: Don't compare your salary with your colleagues or friends. Every company has its own conditions and budgets, and what works for one person may not work for you.
Discussing salary is an important part of any interview and requires careful preparation and confidence.
To successfully negotiate and receive a decent offer, it is important to conduct a market analysis in advance, assess your skills and achievements, and be prepared to reasonably discuss your expectations.
Remember that your salary is not only a financial reward for your work, but also a reflection of your value to the company. With confidence in your abilities and the right approach, you can achieve the desired result and get an offer that suits you.
Earlier I talked about how to create a friendly team.
