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Negotiate your salary
Discussing Salary
Never mention a dollar figure salary before the employer does! You always would be either
overpricing or underpricing yourself. This is the cardinal rule to interviewing.
There are many benefits to a job besides a starting salary: opportunities for advancement
and training, fringe benefits, good working conditions, good hours, and so on. Wait until
you find out those things and ARE OFFERED THE JOB before you ask questions about salary.
If an employer asks about the minimum salary you will accept, don't give them a figure!
No matter what you say, it will be either too high or too low.
If you are too low, you might get the job, but at a much lower salary than you could have gotten.
This little mistake could cost thousands of dollars.
What Should I Say When Discussing Salary?
Here are some ways you can answer:
"I am really interested in long-term growth and advancement. Right now I am willing to
accept whatever your company pays people like myself."
"I don't have a particular amount in mind. I'm primarily interested in a career with your company,
not just a job."
Or , if the interview is coming to a close, and you feel that the interviewer
is favorable to you, you may say:
"I don't know what your company policy is, but I feel I'd do an
outstanding job for you. Do you have a particular salary in mind for me?"
If the interviewer answers with a figure, just nod your head and let him/her go on.
He/She may be offering you the job. Make sure one way or another before saying anything.
In any event, let the employer bring up the issue of salary.
Where can I learn the art of salary negotiation?
Center for Career Connections offers a workshop every quarter on Salary Negotiation.
Check the Workshop Schedule for date, time and location.
Where Do I Get Salary Information?
Here are a few Internet resources to help you learn more about the art of salary negotiations:
Salary.com
Data Masters
This site offers a current salary survey of occupations in the Computer Industry.
Jobsmart Salary Information
Offers links to 150+ salary surveys, as well as other salary information and advice on
negotiating a salary with and employer.
ERI Economic Research Institute
Offers salary survey analyses, cost of living comparisons, and executive compensations
analyses in the form of database software and published reports. The website provides
information for 7,200 U.S., Canadian and International cities and links to other helpful
salary and cost-of-living information.
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