What to Say When a Recruiter Asks About Your Salary Requirements
It can be such a deer in the headlights, causing a panic moment. You’ve spent weeks going through job listings (excluding most of them), picking out a few that match your experience and career path, adapting and proofreading your cover letter ten times, and finally getting a bite from the company’s hiring manager. you would like to work. Barely five minutes after the vaguely titled “opening call” (which is really just a test call), they nail you to the wall asking, “What are your salary requirements?”
This is a tricky place – we have to find a diplomatic response that will keep us on the run without shooting ourselves in the foot with a low number. If you are looking for a job, you should be prepared to give a competent answer that will allow you to apply for a position, but at the same time get the maximum number possible.
How to find out how much a position is paid
First, as annoying and backward as it is, you should research the market and salary ranges for your position. Companies want to see that you’ve done your homework, and you usually know how much the position will pay. HR consulting firm Robert Half recommends: “Check reputable sources such as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for federal wage data in your industry. Also, check out Robert Half’s 2022 Salary Guide for the national average salary for the position you’re looking for.”
How to answer the salary question
Once you’re armed with this information, it’s time to prepare your answer. There are several best practices recommended by career experts.
Postpone the question: If you are just starting the interview process, it is reasonable to say that you need more information before you can communicate your expected salary. For example: “I would like to know more about the position and responsibilities so that I can have more realistic expectations.” Keep in mind, however, that you will eventually need to discuss salary, and there are benefits to being candid about money early on, so you can eliminate any positions that don’t meet your minimum wage requirements.
Provide a salary range . Instead of listing one specific number, provide a range that is comfortable for you. Make sure your target number is close to the bottom number you entered because the employer will most likely choose something at the bottom of your range. Provide a range with a gap of only $5,000 to $10,000 between the upper and lower bounds.
Flip the script : Many career experts recommend flipping the script and getting the required salary first, so you don’t be disadvantaged and leave money on the table. Career coach Rosie McCarthy shares the following scenario on her Instagram page : “Before I can discuss salary in detail, I need to better understand the exact scope of the role and level of responsibility, and what the global package entails. Can you share the range for the role and I’ll let you know if that’s what I had in mind?” I hope they respond to your request and don’t say, “I just need a number.” (I’m speaking from personal experience.) If they won’t play ball, or if you’d like a different tactic, see below.
Provide Negotiation Options: Keeping in mind that wages are only one piece of the rewards puzzle, let them know that you need to learn more about the overall package, including benefits, discretionary income, vacations, and other perks, before making a final decision. Really .
When it’s time to put in a number: When you’ve come to the end of the interview process and it’s time to decide on a number, you may find that the initial range or number you put in is too low. If so, begin your response by expressing your excitement about the position, a brief description of the responsibilities, and what you will bring to the table.
For example: “I am very excited about this opportunity! I respect the range already discussed, but having heard the scope of duties and given my (X) years of experience in a similar position, I think $XX is a fair number. I am confident that my years of service (XYZ) have prepared me well to excel in this position.”
Then, and this is important : don’t worry that they’ll turn down an offer simply because you’re in favor of making what you’re worth. They have already allocated resources for screening and interviewing; they won’t turn the plug just because you negotiate your salary. ( Here’s how .) This is a normal and expected part of the process in which we should all participate.