Salary? How Much Should I Ask? Or Should I Ask?

As a work counselor, work guidance professional, Hr pro and staffing executive who has hired or settled 1,300+ individuals, many professionals including myself are starting to see signs of life in the economy resulting in open positions that will be filled.

Can you qualify?

Wait a minute, what about salary? What should be your response if you interview, and following the interview Hr asks about your salary expectations? How do you respond?

Here are some scenario's I advise for every position:

First, ask the Hr group to provide a salary range for the position prior to the interview. Also, explore for a range. I'm not a huge fan of web-sites that provide salaries since every business has a distinct set of objectives. You might be surprised how cooperative Hr will be. Remember, I've been in a Hr role and speak from experience.

Next, match your background against the requirements. A total or close to a requirements-match of 100% normally means the business could offer you a salary at or slightly above the 50th percentile of the salary range.

This is the time and place to negotiate salary!

And you must ask about the unblemished salary package: Base, Bonus, Vacation, Personal Days, Holidays, "volunteer" days, club memberships, phone / car allowance, telework, flextime, work training, etc. Put advantage consulation as a second topic since advantage expense is normally an worker cost, but advantage consulation is very important.

For more direct questions regarding salary, I would advise the following:

A) If you remained employed during the last several years, you can state your current salary. Remember, don't fudge the number, employers will check, or, in some instances want evidence of pay.

B) If you were downsized in the past few months, use your the last salary paid. This could generate a possible quandary. Let me assist:

- If you are interviewing for a "senior" level job, that is manager, director or above, there should have been a salary range provided. There could be a "disconnect" because your previous salary could be higher or lower than what will be offered.

In general, if you have been out of work for several months, ask Hr to provide a range and then you can make an assessment. The point is once a salary has been determined, and agreed, that's it. That's the salary you will use as your "start-point" for as long as you stay with the company.

If you provide a salary number, it may be too puny or too much. It is legitimately best to have the business go first.

Salary consulation may be the most difficult part of the interview. If you remain needing some discussion, please perceive a work professional. This may be one of the most leading steps you take.

Call (248) 630 - 5555 or visit www.careers-in-transition.com for further information.