Have you ever received a job offer with a starting salary that was well below your expectations? If you have, then you know how frustrating this experience is. You just spent countless hours of your time and resources preparing and planning for multiple interviews; you had to schedule time away from work and/or home to actually go on these interviews in addition to expenses incurred. And then, to reward you for your time and trouble, you receive an offer that is below your expectations and leaves your jaw agape. Well, this happened to me about 5-6 ago. I was offered the job, but at a salary discount that would have provided me with significant salary decrease. I literally could not afford to take such a pay cut.
I could not believe that I had just wasted so much time, energy, effort and resources. I made a promise to myself to NEVER repeat this mistake again. So, how do you avoid making such a wasteful misstep? You would be surprised to learn that it is pretty easy. I suspect that there a number of professionals out there who may disagree with my suggestion, but if you value your time and resources along with that of the hiring company, then continue reading. Before scheduling the first interview, simply state the following: “To ensure that we are on the same page, and to avoid wasting any of your time and resources along with that of my own, do you mind sharing with me the salary range for this position?” The interviewer may ask you what you currently make. You then respond as follows: “My salary, not including incentives and bonus, is in the [insert low-, mid-, or upper- range of your salary level].”
I have an important caveat to share…if you are out of work and/or job searching for a position whereby compensation is not one of your top priorities, I would not implement this strategy. Again, I want to emphasize the following: If your primary focus is to find new employment due to job loss, if you are underemployed and/or you are experiencing an adverse job situation with your current employer, then I would not focus on the issue of compensation at all.
Otherwise, I do this for EVERY company for which I interview. And you know what? Each and every time I ask this question, the person I ask completely understands why I am asking the question and actually appreciates that I have respect for their time and limited schedule. And best of all, they ALWAYS answer my question in a straightforward manner. I have never lost out on an opportunity because of this tactic, nor has an interviewer found it to be intrusive or overly aggressive. As I said before, some people, especially the so-called “Professionals” will completely disagree with me. I say let them.
My results always speak louder than the pundits. Since that lesson-learning experience, I have never wasted an interviewer’s time or my own due to starting-salary questions or concerns. The professionals think this takes away your leverage and ability to negotiate. This is nonsense. First of all, the hiring company will inquire about and confirm your past salary history by way of your completion of a job application. Second, almost everything in a job offer can be negotiated, although not always to your satisfaction. Third, why would you want leverage if the job offer is significantly below what you consider to be acceptable? Getting on the same page with a company regarding salary upfront will only benefit you. This will not compromise your ability to negotiate a forthcoming job offer.
As is often the case, the hardest lessons often make for the best teachers.
How to find me:
My blog: http://yourtopshelf.wordpress.com/
LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltfarley
E-mail: [email protected]