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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Salary Information

By Steven Atkil


You've managed to receive a meeting towards the exciting new job ... the interview has gone well, and you've established a great rapport with all the hiring managers ... only a few more minutes to go ... Uh oh! They just inquired about salary expectations!

That's where you're going to be glad that you just did that research early in advance. If you didn't, and are certainly not sure the place to begin, below are great tips.

Analyzing Salaries

Generally if the salary is not really stated in the job description, you must figure out what the job is definitely worth. Sometimes you can be asked to provide your expectations as part of your resume cover letter, in other cases it'll come up in an interview. But the key is to be prepared for this question, as it usually pops up.

There is no one magic figure when trying to determine salary for any particular position. It depends on size of the city, market conditions, the company, geographical locaion alongside your own skills and experience as compared with other applicants. So how should you uncover what a job is really worth? Try to employ a combination of approaches to get as best a range as is possible. These can sometimes include:

look for similar advertised positions which does state a salary range

research salaries around the internet, using career websites, skilled professional association web pages and search engines (we've provided some beginning points by the end of this article) - is there a interest in your skills?

search for a local Human Resource Centre of Canada office

talk to people in similar careers

Where to start whenever you are asked to present salary expectations as part of your cover letter?

Many hiring managers ask applicants to give salary expectations in their cover letter. This can often be done to screen out appliers who expect a larger salary as opposed to the employer is willing to offer. Try to answer by having a neutral statement, emphasizing how the opportunity is the central consideration within your decision and that you would consider any reasonable offer. If needed, provide a range of what you are willing to accept as opposed to a fixed dollar amount.

Salary discussions during the interview

Never bring up salary during a job interview. Always allow the employer bring it to the table. The same rules apply as above for resume cover letters. That being said, attempt to postpone income discussions until after an offer is done. Indicate that you're open for negotiation but decide to wait until after a hiring decision has been agreed upon. Again, if you believe that they're really pushing for a figure, try to offer a range, not just a specific dollar amount and inform them it all depends on the entire package including benefits.

Don't worry if salary is not discussed during the first interview. It likely will come in the 2nd or at the latest, once you get a proposal! Actually, salary is often best left for discussion until once the employer has decided that they would like to hire you. By carrying this out, you minimize the risk of taking yourself out from the running.

When a deal is made - Negotiating Salary

Employers can occasionally offer you a salary amount when an offer is created. Take some time to think over it; a couple of days is generally acceptable. Seeing that they've decided they want to hire you, you may be in a position to negotiate a little. But you need to decide what you will be prepared to accept, taking into consideration the likelihood of receiving other offers, etc. Take all factors into account when making your choice, along with the salary, level of responsibility, working conditions, opportunities for further education,, etc. Ask about extended health and dental insurance, education re-imbursement plans, vacation, etc.

Consider negotiating in some perks instead if the organization provides a rigid salary structure. Depending in the level of the job and current economic conditions, consider asking about a signing bonus, paid professional development, having access to your working computer for personal use and/or stock options. A flexible work schedule and operating from home occasionally can even be possible. Note: if the economy is in a downturn, several of these perks will not be available (eg. signing bonuses) so make use of your judgement and good sense when deciding just how much room you have to negotiate.

Everybody is apprehensive (in other words, scared!) about negotiating for benefits and salaries. You shouldn't be... it is quite common. But do be sure you remain professional about it! No matter what, don't be rude or arrogant. Think carefully in what makes you worth a better salary compared to the one they have offered, and be prepared to articulate this to the employer. It's during this time that you'll be glad you did your thorough research.




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