Salary Discussions

How in the world can you discuss your salary expectations without a full understanding of the job requirements and company benefits available?

So why do they (employers) want to know? The easy answer might be that they want to know whether you are in their price range or not.  Could there be other reasons too?  (For a truly interesting discussion on this and the topic of salary history requests by HR, you have to read Nick's post and comments on Ask the Headhunter)

If you are planning on divulging this sensitive data early in the interview, I hope you have done your homework.  Ideally, speaking with people inside that company to get an idea of the range they are currently paying at that company.  If you have been unable to secure that information, then at the very least speak to peers within your occupation to find out the range they  currently see being offered.  If you would like to continue to do research beyond these, you could use any or all of these resources:

salary.com
payscale.com
glassdoor.com
salaryscout.com

Keppie Careers referenced a new resource available called Jobnob.com.  I ran through it briefly and if you live in a metropolitan area, I think it can be helpful.  Check it out anyway and judge for yourself.

We are in unknown waters right now.  My gut tells me that the age old rule of supply and demand will impact the salary ranges being offered.  Be prepared, you may not make as much as you did last time. But that doesn't mean the work you do can't be fulfilling and meaningful, right?

Comments

[Seattle Interview Coach]

If your current salary is lower than what you're looking for in your next job, reframe the discussion by saying how you're looking for a new salary that is more in-line with how much the market is paying for someone with your skills.

Then explain what those skills are and the data you've compiled as evidence.

[Career Sherpa]

Mike, what would happen if they gave you a number too high or too low- would you continue the conversation?
Also, how did you know what salary your company would offer for it's available job? One last question, was the job description written in stone or was there flexibility or uncertainty as to what it would really take to do the job well?

Usually,employers can't answer the latter 2 questions.

As far as what you are doing, ceast and decist immediately. Once you have thrown a number out, you have, too high or too low or not quite right, you've pinned yourself. Now is not the time to play hard ball- take me at this rate or lose me all together. The hiring process is about...building relationships. Build the relationship without discussing money simplifies the process.
My 2 cents!

[mike lally]

Hi Hannah,
As a hiring manager, I have asked this question to see if the potential employees' expectations match both my own needs AND their accomplishments.

As a job-seeker, I am being asked to divulge my recent salary. I share it quickly but I also frame it in a way that takes the focus off the number.

I am now in a place in my life where I can start building what you call a "portfolio career". I want many projects to be working on. Not one 60-hour a week job. I want multiple steams of income. This takes the conversation in a totally different direction.

The key is to know what the gig you are talking about pays. Pay, hours, benefits, perks, all add up.