How To Answer The Salary Requirements Question In An Interview

How To Answer The Salary Requirements Question In An Interview If the goal ofany interviewis to get to the next step, you need to learn how to handle asalary discussioneasily. Typically, each open position has a budgeted salary range. And if yoursalary expectationis beyond those bounds, you may close yourself out of consideration too soon.Frankly its best not to show your hand first, said Laura Schmieder, president ofPremier Placement, Inc., a specialized recruiting firm. You want the initial discussion to be about the role.With some cities and states considering or passing laws that bar employers fromasking about salary history, the conversations will pivot to desired salaries. Here are some options to sidestep gracefullyLinda Whitehead Mote, principal of zu sich eponymous career transition firm, recommends that instead of stating a specific minimum salary requirement, consider giving the following reply I am open to listening to a competitive offer for the responsibilities of the p osition. The goal? You want the hiring decision-maker to recognize your potential value based on your experience and knowledge, not your minimum salary requirementsthe lowest amount you would require to accept the job.Schmieder recommends a similar path to job seekers and gives her candidates an out if the company keeps pushing for a salary history. If pressed, you can tell them that I asked you not to discuss it at the first interview.Most jobs change considerably during the interview process as the potential employer recognizes what a candidate can and cannot do. Early on, career coach Win Sheffield recommends saying, I dont want to limit myself to a number. I want to receive market rate, but I want to learn mora about the responsibilities of the position before we narrow down a range.Sheffield says another option is to ask for the salary range and just state that salary will not be a problem regardless of the number. (This will also be useful if you receive an offer, because you can aim for the upper end of their budget in salary negotiations.) After the company has decided they want you, thats when you negotiate salary expectations. Mote agreed, adding, Never try negotiating before receiving a written offer. Thats when the candidates leverage is strongest. The organization wants the individual to accept the offer and may be most receptive to rethinking the issue.One key difference to keep in mind Yourrelationship with an external recruiterrelated to compensation should be different than with the hiring manager, according to each of our experts.I expect the candidates to be mora forthcoming with me than they might be with prospective employers because I am responsible for coaching them through the interview process and for negotiating the final package, says Schmeider. I often tell candidates that as a contingency recruiter, my fee is based on their starting salary so believe me, I will try to get the best possible offer for both our sakes.When the offer co mes, it istime to negotiate(if you want the job opening, that is). Sheffield says many companies want to start candidates at the mid-point or below the budgeted salary range.Companies want the opportunity to give you a raise quickly so that you will like the place and stay, said Sheffield. If you cant get higher pay or more generous benefits in your negotiation, Sheffield says switch away from the salary budget to a non-compensation parte of the budget where HR policies dont govern. For example, your potential boss may have the flexibility to provide continuing education options or approved conference attendance as sweeteners to the deal.If you know the job and/or company culture is not the right fit regardless of what pay is offered, do not try to negotiate just to negotiate. Mote says, Declining an offer when the negotiation gives the candidate all she wants will leave a very bad taste, and in this day and age, hiring managers change companies and may be the decision-maker for a f uture position desired by the candidate.--Jennifer Bewley is the founder of Uncuffed, which provides detailed research into prospective employers. Jennifer has an unhealthy love of financial data and speaking her mind, and she uses each to help candidates choose the company they work for wisely.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer