We know we should never reveal what what our old salary was - it can be negotiation suicide if you do - but how can we avoid giving it away if asked?
A good rule of thumb is to always be honest. Discussing salary during the early part of the recruiting process is not a good idea.
The best way to deal when pressed for your salary information is as follows:
1) Just let them know that your past salary is not all that related to the work you're going to do in the new job. The terms and work conditions and responsibilities are different, and therefore your past salary should not factor into your new job compensation.
2) If the employer insists you mention your previous salary, mention with the total value of your salary package. Also, restate that it is not the same company you will be working for, and so your past salary is not related. There are so many factors including balanced lifestyle, annual vacation, rewarded overtime that also factor in.
3) You have to know where you stand in terms of the market. Know the going salary range for the job you are in and the skill level and experience you have for your region. You should know what level you can ask for and expect to get by doing your research.
4) Regardless of whether or not you were earning at or below or even above the market average for your career, your past salary is not relevant. You may have had any number of reasons for working below market in the past, but what is important now is that you earn current market rates for the work you do. Your past doesn't explain your worth as a resource to the new employer.
5) If you divulge your salary, restate that you expect to be paid the standard industry rate for the posting, and explain what you do understand about the industry at that time. Most employers will respect you for standing your ground on the matter. Just remember negotiating is not a hostile situation, so remember to be firm in your stance but respectful in your demeanor.
Never lie your interview. The employer has many ways to find out what you really earned in your past, either through asking your for some form of record, or they can confirm it with your previous employer. Just remember, you bring a lot of value, and that is the most important thing you offer to the employer.
A good rule of thumb is to always be honest. Discussing salary during the early part of the recruiting process is not a good idea.
The best way to deal when pressed for your salary information is as follows:
1) Just let them know that your past salary is not all that related to the work you're going to do in the new job. The terms and work conditions and responsibilities are different, and therefore your past salary should not factor into your new job compensation.
2) If the employer insists you mention your previous salary, mention with the total value of your salary package. Also, restate that it is not the same company you will be working for, and so your past salary is not related. There are so many factors including balanced lifestyle, annual vacation, rewarded overtime that also factor in.
3) You have to know where you stand in terms of the market. Know the going salary range for the job you are in and the skill level and experience you have for your region. You should know what level you can ask for and expect to get by doing your research.
4) Regardless of whether or not you were earning at or below or even above the market average for your career, your past salary is not relevant. You may have had any number of reasons for working below market in the past, but what is important now is that you earn current market rates for the work you do. Your past doesn't explain your worth as a resource to the new employer.
5) If you divulge your salary, restate that you expect to be paid the standard industry rate for the posting, and explain what you do understand about the industry at that time. Most employers will respect you for standing your ground on the matter. Just remember negotiating is not a hostile situation, so remember to be firm in your stance but respectful in your demeanor.
Never lie your interview. The employer has many ways to find out what you really earned in your past, either through asking your for some form of record, or they can confirm it with your previous employer. Just remember, you bring a lot of value, and that is the most important thing you offer to the employer.
About the Author:
Trevor Davide Grant is a IT manager in the IT field and has extensive experience in salary negotiation. Trevor has worked for global telecom, electric utilities, software consulting, and a prominent web 2.0 site. He has learned salary negotiating in the most effective way. Learn great tactics on the topic of salary negotiating at www.HowToNegotiateASalary.com.
0 comments
Post a Comment