How to Talk About Desired Salary

How to Talk About Desired SalaryHow to Talk About Desired SalaryI hate talking about money. My parents had a very strict we dont talk about money rule- not just at the table or at parties, but ever. Discussions about taxes or partisan fiscal policies make my palms sweat. I dont even know how to barter at street stands- I just overpay what they ask me to. And thats why in the final steps of an bewerbungsinterview process, I clam up like the tides coming in. Because thats when the hiring manager puts in his or her lets get down to business face and asks how much money I think I should be making. I dont know, or whatevers standard, dont cut it as answers, so heres some advice on approaching this awkward conversation.Know the MarketThere are a thousand different ways to learn the going salary for the job youre applying to- and not just at this one particular company, but for anyone with that title in your area. So do a little research, and go into your final interviews prepared with a ta rget number. Start off with the multitude of online tools out there for a baseline, but dont forget to ask your coworkers and network. The people who know the industry best are those who work in it. Just make sure that you know the person and that your questions arent unwelcome. The key to confidence when talking about your desired salary is knowing exactly what you want going in, rather than making something up on the fly.Get in the Right MindsetLet me reitetarif you should under no circumstances talk about salary in an interview unless the interviewer brings it up. That said, it will absolutely come up at some point. Your salary is important to both you and your employer- albeit you probably have a little mora skin in the game. Money may not be a polite topic, but if a hiring manager wants to know your desired salary, you need to tell them in specific terms- so listen to your get pumped playlist on your way to the interview, and face this head-on. Youre not overstepping your bound s or seeming ungrateful- youre taking hold of your finances. Just make sure youre coming off confident rather than aggressive. Its a simple question that merits a polite answer- not a rumble with the Jets.Take a RiskHeres a little secret if youre talking seriously about salary in later rounds of interviews, the company wants you. I know- its a good feeling. So when they ask what your desired salary is, take a leap of faith. Ask for more than you think you deserve. If the going rate for the position is $70 thousand, ask for $80 thousand. Whats the worst that could happen? Theyll pass me over for the next person on their list, Kaitlin- duh. No, they wont. Remember, at this point in the interview, nothings formal or in writing. If they are genuinely considering you for this position (and broaching the salary topic is a pretty good sign), theyre much more likely to come back with a counteroffer than to immediately pass you over for someone who will work cheaper. You can even soften the blow if you need to by framing it as a question Does $80 thousand sound reasonable? Youll never know what you can get unless you ask for it- just make sure not to ask for anything too ludicrous. You did all that research on a fair salary for your position, so use it.State Your CaseWhy should you make more money? Because youre great, thats why. So tell the hiring manager why they should invest in you reiterate your experience, your education, whatever it is youve got going for you. When I went through this process, I made a big deal out of my Masters because, frankly, there arent a ton of people my age with an advanced degree. I was also confident that Id adequately proven my skills and leaned into that when explaining my desired salary range. Whatever it is on your resum that made that hiring manager stop, take a closer look, and decide that he or she wanted to talk to you, remind them that its also what makes you worth the extra payroll.Know When to Back OffAlright tiger, you gave it your best shot. They know what you want, because you told them in polite, professional, specific terms. Ideally, you get a job offer at some point (although Ive gotten more than a few on the spot, so watch out for that), including your projected salary. Regardless of the manner in which you receive your job offer- in person, on the phone, or through email- you are entitled to some time to think it over. Even if there seems to be pressure to accept immediately, I advise you dont. Thank the hiring manager, express your excitement for the opportunity, and promise to get back to them by a specific date. Consider the pros and cons and, if you feel you need to, ask the hiring manager to discuss the salary that he or she offered you. Even at the formal offer stage, youre allowed- and often expected- to negotiate salary, benefits, bonuses, etc. The good thing is, at this point, youve also got some time built in rather than having to come up with an answer on the spot.