SALARY INFORMATION

You have managed to receive a meeting for your exciting new job … the interview has gone well, and you’ve established an effective rapport with all the hiring managers … only a few more minutes to go … Uh oh! They just asked about salary expectations!

Thats usually where you’re going to be glad that you simply did that research in advance. If you didn’t, and aren’t sure where to start, here are some ideas.

Researching Salaries

Whenever the salary is not really written in the job description, you need to evaluate what the job is worth. Sometimes you can be asked to provide your expectations within your cover letter, other times it’s going to come up in an interview. But ideal idea is to be prepared about this question, mainly because it usually pops up.

Certainly no one magic figure when aiming to determine salary for a particular position. It all depends on size of the city, market conditions, the company, geographical locaion alongside your own skills and experience compared to other applicants. So how should you learn what a job is really worth? Try try using a combination of different ways to get as accurate a range as is possible. These can include:

check out similar advertised jobs which do state an income range research salaries about the, using career web-sites, professional association websites and search engines (we’ve provided some starting points towards the end within this article) – what is the demand for your skills? visit a local Human Resource Centre of Canada office speak to people in similar roles What direction to go when you are asked to produce salary expectations as part of your cover letter?

Many hiring managers ask applicants to present salary expectations in their cover letter. This is often utilized to screen out applicants who expect a higher salary than the employer is in a position to offer. Try to respond by way of a neutral statement, emphasizing that the opportunity is the most important consideration within your decision and that you would give consideration to any reasonable offer. If needed, provide a range of what you are happy to accept rather than a set dollar amount.

Salary discussions during the entire interview

Never raise up salary during an interview. Always allow the employer bring it to the table. The same principles apply as above for resume cover letters. Having said that, attempt to postpone wage discussions until after an offer is made. Indicate that you’ll be open for negotiation but decide to wait until after the hiring decision has been agreed upon. Again, if you think maybe that possibly they are really pushing on a specific figure, be sure to give a range, not a specific dollar amount and let them know it all depends on the entire package together with benefits.

Don’t fret if salary is not discussed during the first interview. It likely will come in the next or at the very latest, once you get an offer! In fact, salary is frequently best left for discussion until after the employer has decided that they want to hire you. By this method, you minimize the chance of taking yourself out of the running.

When a deal is made – Negotiating Salary

Employers can occasionally provide you with a salary amount when a proposal is created. Take some time to think about it; a couple of days is normally acceptable. Seeing that they have decided they wish to hire you, you may be in a position to negotiate a little. But you must decide what you are willing to accept, taking into consideration the prospects of receiving other offers, etc. Take all factors into consideration when making your final decision, including the working conditions, opportunities for further education, salary, type of work, level of responsibility, etc. Ask about vacation, extended health and dental insurance, education re-imbursement plans, etc.

Consider negotiating in a few perks instead when the organization carries a rigid salary structure. Depending in the level of the job and current economic conditions, consider asking in regards to a signing bonus, company car, paid professional development, having access to a computer for home use and/or stock options. A flexible time-table and working from home occasionally may also be possible. Note: in the event the economy is in a downturn, a great number of perks will not be available (eg. signing bonuses) so use your judgement and good sense when deciding just how much room you must negotiate.

Everyone seems to be apprehensive (in other words, scared!) about negotiating for benefits and salaries. Don’t be… it is quite common. But do make sure you remain professional regarding this! No matter what, don’t be rude or arrogant. Think carefully in what makes you worth a better salary compared to the one they’ve offered, and be ready to articulate this to the employer. It is during this time that you will be glad you did your thorough research.

Having to know what types of salaries are available out there, its especially more crucial to check a more recent salaries guide as it does help in a off- economy. However, the salaries I talk about have great opportunities with minimal education. Make sure you do check my guides to salaries.