Salary is one of the most important questions that you will tackle in your job search. Not only is it one of the trickiest questions to answer in the interviewing process, but your answer can influence whether or not you get the job and, if you do, whether you are paid fairly or not. When potential employers ask about your salary expectations, they are trying to gage if they can afford to hire you. If you name a salary that is too high, you risk pricing yourself out of consideration. If you name a salary that is very low, you risk being offered far less than what you are worth -- and far less than the employer may have been prepared to give you. To ensure that you can get the most leverage in salary negotiations while also staying in the running for the position, here are some tips for how to handle questions about salary in an interview:
Don't Name a Number
When you are asked about your salary expectations or your salary history, it is important to avoid naming any numbers. Whoever names a number first when discussing salary will lose ground in the negotiation process. Therefore, you want your employer to propose a figure first. If you are asked about salary expectations, simply say, "I am willing to negotiate salary" or "Salary is important, but I would prefer to talk about it we decide that I am a good fit for the job." If you are asked about your salary history, explain that you would be happy to provide it once an offer has been made.
Focus on the Job
One of the best ways to avoid naming a specific number or range for salary is to focus on the job. When asked about salary, say "I would love to talk more about what the expectations for the job are first." Not only will you avoid capping your salary potential, but you'll also learn more about the job to determine an appropriate compensation range.
Choose a Range
If the interviewer becomes insistent in asking about salary, choose a range rather than providing a specific number. Start the range at the lowest acceptable salary, and cap it at your ideal salary. Offering a range shows that you are flexible, and it gives you some room to negotiate for a higher salary.
Put the Ball in Their Court
Rather than pen yourself in with your own salary range, when you are asked about salary expectations, ask the employer what the salary band is for the position or what has been budgeted for the position. Many employers have job family levels or performance tiers. Find out where your job lies, and you will have a better idea of your negotiating range.
Learning how to best answer questions of salary in the hiring process can be quite tricky, but this skill is very important to your long-term financial and career success. Remember to keep your answer flexible so that you have some negotiating room, and do your best to avoid naming a specific figure before your employer does. You'll have more leverage later to negotiate for the best salary you can get.
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About the Author:
Heather Green is a freelance writer for several regional magazines in North Carolina as well as a resident blogger for onlinenursingdegrees.org. Her writing experience includes fashion, business, health, agriculture and a wide range of other topics. Heather has just completed research on associates degree in nursing and online nursing programs in nc.