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4.8 ANSWER QUESTIONS |
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Guidelines for Salary Questions |
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- Do not mention money or benefits until the interviewer brings it up, or until an offer has been made.
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- Give the amount as a range, for example $20,000 to $23,000 rather than saying $21,000. A range gives room to negotiate.
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- You can find out a realistic salary from researching the occupation. Check the Internet for salary information. Another resource for information might be the local state job service.
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- Sometimes an employer will bring up salary early in an interview. If you are not ready to discuss this question simply say:
“Before I can give an answer to the salary question, I would like to know more about the position.”
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- The best time to discuss the salary and benefits package is after you have a job offer, when you are in a much better bargaining position.
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- Remember, there are many benefits to a job besides salary, such as:
- opportunities for advancement and training
- benefits, i.e. parking, transportation, tuition reimbursement, childcare onsite, fitness center, health insurance, etc.
- good working conditions
- good hours, flexible scheduling, etc.
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- If possible, wait until you find out about the benefits and are offered the job before you answer questions about salary.
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- If an employer asks you about the minimum salary you will accept, don’t give a figure you think will either be too high or too low.
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If you are too high, they’ll think that you won’t take the job at a lower salary and might offer it to someone else. If you are too low, you might get the job at a much lower salary than you could have gotten. This little mistake could cost you thousands of dollars! |
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- Here are some ways you can answer the question about minimum salary:
“I’m really interested in long-term growth and advancement. Right now, I’m willing to consider whatever your company pays people with my skills.”
“I don’t have a particular amount in mind. I’m interested in a career with your company, not just a job.”
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