How To Give Good Interview Answers Involving Salary
How to Give Good Interview Answers involving Salary
Isn't that the real question? How do you answer questions about salary requirements when you have little idea about the salary ranges? In fact as a longtime professional I consider it to be a tremendous disadvantage to you. My goal here is to offer some suggestions on how to be in the ball park of an asking range.
Here is what I want you to understand first. No matter what your background is your goal is to get the best working environment, benefits, and cash. PERIOD. Do you really want to go through all of the interview hoops to realize it is not what you wanted?
Now as I am writing this the USA and world are in a recession. So many people act (not think) out of desperation. That's a BIG mistake. You should be getting TOP dollar. Especially if your in a field that is specialized. Specialized knowledge is the number one reason people get top dollar in their fields. And in case you were wondering experience ranks second. This is why 2nd year brain surgeons sometimes earn more than a 5th year general practice doctor.
Do your homework below and don't be afraid to ask for top dollar.
DO NOT ACCEPT LESS AS THE VERY BEST.
Do your research on that position not only in the company but across the web: Search across the web, linkedin other companies, job directory listings. You have to get an idea of what the company is offering.
Connect with a recruiter to see if they have any ideas about the range: A recruiter is a great way to find out because it's easy to tell them "hey I am not interested if the price is below ..." and then name your price. But here is the trick to that. You first must ask them what price ranges have they come across in your field. That way you are both on the same page while looking.
Ask the HR department of the company your trying to interview for their ranges via email: And Hey email the HR department saying "I don't want to waste your time or mine but I wanted to get a clear idea of the salary range for that position."
Understand that I am not trying to get you to discuss salary at a interview. That is of course a big taboo no no. I only want you to be prepared for the salary range BEFORE the interview. The answer is easy if you know what to expect.