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Discuss Salary When
Asked
Somehow or other, the harrowing advice has made
the rounds that you should not discuss salary until
well into the interview process.
There are two facets to this problem:
When you are going "blind" into an
interview.
When you are introduced to the company
by a recruiter.
In either case you must accept the fact that you
are seldom, if ever, functioning in a vacuum. You
will have competition facing you, and the higher
the compensation required, the greater the
competition.
During the interview, no matter what the level
of the position, your experience will be evaluated
in terms of the compensation you require. (If you
have interviewed to hire an employee, you know how
important it is to know what it will cost you to
hire "A", instead of "B" or "C" in light of their
experience.
When going in without any idea as to the
company's established salary range for the
position, think of it in this way; one you may not
be accustomed to: Considering the requirements, and
how this position will enhance my career, what
salary do I require? Does it really matter what the
range is?
Let's say you would be happy to get the job,
with all the opportunities it presents for your
career, at $100,000. Do you care if the range is
$100,000 to $135,000. Would you require more money
because the range is higher? Perhaps, but now you
are putting yourself, assuredly, against heavier
hitters. Perhaps the company might have been
influenced enough by your potential to offer you
$100,000, but you are now asking the salary of a
more seasoned professional. Who do you think
will get the nod at the higher asking price?
Also keep in mind, few companies will admit that
your salary is out of the question for your
experience. The interviewer usually will jot it
down, smile approvingly and shortly afterward
terminate the interview. And you will never hear
from them again, leaving you wondering why.
On the other had, if you meet the employer
through a recruiter, the range has been discussed
with you, and if your desire fits in the range, you
are ahead.
Many, many opportunities have been lost because
people exploring their options have positioned
themselves out of the range when they would have
been happy, very happy, requesting and receiving a
lower salary.
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