If you hope to find a better employment opportunity, now is a great time to do it. However, many applicants find the process daunting in the shifting hiring climate and amid changes like a move to partial and full-time remote working opportunities.
One of the most formidable challenges of the hiring process for many is successfully negotiating the salary question.
If you’re worried that answering the salary question with the wrong figure will get your application screened out of the process, you’re not alone.
At One Tech Engineering, we specialize in technical recruiting services. In this post, we’re delving into the salary question to help you navigate the hiring process and make the most of your next interview process.
Encountering the Salary Question
We’ve all been there. You’ve prepared for getting a new job in all the right ways. You’re in the middle of applying for a terrific position for which you know you’re a perfect candidate. After outlining your credentials, however, you come across a question you just don’t feel comfortable answering: the salary question.
Unfortunately, salary requirements are becoming a fairly common question for online applications. The ultimate goal for most workers is to increase their salary from one position to the next, and the last thing you want to do is ask for a salary that’s significantly too high or too low. Since you’re aiming for a new position, you don’t want to base your salary request on what you made previously.
With so many recruiters using screening software, it’s perfectly valid to be concerned that putting in the wrong dollar amount could get you tossed out of the applicant pool. So what can you do?
Know Your Legal Rights
In some states, including Minnesota, it is illegal for a future employer to ask about your salary history. You do not have to and, in most cases, should not provide information about your past salary.
Instead, applications or hiring managers in the interviews may ask you what your desired or expectational salary is. It’s tricky, but there are ways of answering this question that are satisfying to both you and your potential employer.
Online Application Answering Options
It may seem too soon to answer the salary question in an interview, but sorry, folks. Now, the question is even popping up on applications. Here are some options for handling that.
Don’t Provide a Number
If you can skip the question, do. But so many online applications require all fields filled in, so instead of picking a number, you can try writing “negotiable,” “market rate,” or even “commensurate with job description.”
This shows the hiring manager that you would prefer to discuss the figure at a later date.
Give a Range
If the application system only takes numbers, try giving a salary range that seems reasonable to you. Again, this shows that you are willing to talk about the salary with your employer to find an amount that suits both parties.
Enter a Number at Your Own Risk
You may be forced to put a number. When that happens you can try answering the question without answering the question, like putting in $1.00 or $100,000,000. The risk is that you alert a recruiter to not wanting to discuss salary at this time, which could be good or bad.
There is also a good chance that a human isn’t screening the applications. An automated system may be reviewing the applications and may be set to automatically reject any numbers that seem outlandish.
Your best bet when forced to enter a number, is to provide a dollar amount that you feel comfortable with based on everything you know about the position.
When the Salary Question Comes Up in an Interview
It’s highly likely that the question “What is your desired salary?” will be asked during the interview. Since you prepare for other interview questions, get prepped for this one, too.
Do Your Research
If you have the time to research salaries for this company and position, that’s always your best bet. Likewise, if you know someone who works for that company, you can ask them if they’re familiar with the salary requirements for the position you’re applying for.
You can also research the job title and see what a possible salary range is for it. Do keep in mind your education, years of experience, and the cost of living in your area to come up with a range that reflects your worth.
Ask for More Information
Before answering the question in the interview, it’s advisable to ask if the position offers other perks, such as unlimited vacation time, remote working opportunities, flexible hours, benefits packages, guaranteed annual raises, and a work-life balancing culture.
Certain perks may be as valuable to you or more valuable than your salary, and knowing that you will receive them, may make it easier to accept not making a certain amount per year, at least to start.
Give the Interviewer Your Salary Options
A range is always a good choice because it shows your willingness to negotiate the salary, a desirable trait in an employee. Make sure your bottom number is one you are comfortable with and can still meet your living needs because the employer will most likely offer you that lower amount.
A salary range may also more easily allow you and your future employer to negotiate other compensation options. For example, if you’re applying for a startup, they may not be able to pay you the amount you want, but they’ll offer you part ownership of the company or stock options.
Also, keep in mind some companies offer lower salaries but give employees the opportunity to earn much more through bonuses or commissions.
Avoid These Salary Discussion Mistakes
During the interview, it’s best to keep your answer to the salary question short and sweet. Here are some mistakes to avoid when discussing salary.
This Isn’t the Time to Negotiate
Whether on the application or in the interview, you’re being asked your desired salary. This is not the same as a salary negotiation. Don’t expect the interviewer to make you an offer or change the offer after hearing your answer.
They will most likely not say anything because they simply want to know your salary expectations. Answer the question and then move on to the next one.
Don’t Share Your Salary History
While it’s illegal in some states for an employer to ask about your past paychecks, in some states, it’s not, and you may feel forced to tell about your past or current salary. Don’t do it.
Employers may try to use that as a baseline for your offer and end up lowballing you for the position simply because they think you’ll be happy with a salary a little higher than you’ve had before.
If the employer finds out your current salary is higher than they can offer, they may worry you won’t accept the job. They may consider you out of the running without even offering you a chance to accept or decline.
Don’t Forget to Ask About Future-Planning
Find out if the company offers bonuses or raises, 401(K) matching, or commissions. While they may offer a smaller salary to start with, it may quickly meet your expectations. Conversely, the company may offer a larger sum upfront but with fewer opportunities for bonuses or growth. Keep these in mind when making your decision.
Let Your Employer Bring Up Salary
If the application or interviewer doesn’t mention salary in the initial application process, you shouldn’t either. Wait until you receive the job offer, then start the salary negotiation process. If you bring up questions about the salary in the interview, it can look like you only care about the money.
Get Hired Now With Minnesota Technical Recruiting Services
Are you ready to take advantage of the current job market? At One Tech Engineering in Minnesota, we offer a complete benefits package and several hiring options, including remote work, contract, and contract-to-direct hire.
To get the salary you deserve, contact our technical and engineering recruiters at 952.884.9199 or submit your resume today!
Source:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2019/11/09/how-to-answer-the-salary-question-on-online-job-applications--and-other-common-job-search-negotiation-questions-answered/?sh=4b3c7e53770a
https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/how-to-discuss-salary-in-a-job-interview-v2/
https://www.vorys.com/publication-minnesota-law-prohibits-employers-from-inquiring-into-applicants-pay-history#:~:text=Minnesota%20is%20the%20new%20state,hiring%20process%2C%20with%20limited%20exceptions.