Four ways to get the salary you want in a job interview
- December 03, 2018
Four ways to get the salary you want in a job interview
Things are going pretty well in your job hunt so far: you’ve found the perfect position, nailed your interview and now your dream is becoming a reality - they’re offering you the job and you’re moving along your marketing career path nicely. But wait, something doesn’t quite add up. The salary they’ve offered isn’t what you were expecting and whilst you absolutely want the job, you aren’t so keen on the salary that it comes with. So what should you do? First of all, don’t panic. The key to a successful negotiation is making sure you’ve done your research, you’re thoroughly prepared and that you have a good idea of what you’re worth and why. Ready to start negotiations? Read on for our top tips to help you get the salary you want in a job interview!
Do your research
When it comes to negotiating your salary, it’s really important that you don’t just go in blind and ask for a random figure. You need to do some thorough research beforehand, from finding out what the company policy on salaries is, what other companies are offering for similar roles, and what other people are being paid in your area (salary comparison sites such as PayScale and Glassdoor are great for this). You should also make sure you’re aware of the market conditions, which your marketing recruitment agency will be able to help with. Is the area you’re applying to short of quality candidates at the moment? Are there a lot of similar roles available elsewhere in the sector? Are salaries generally rising or falling in your industry? All of this information can help you make an informed decision on what figure you can realistically ask for.
Don’t suggest a specific number
Whilst you should never head into negotiations without a figure in mind, once you’ve decided on that number you’ll need to be flexible. Rather than having just one exact figure which closes down the possibility of discussion, instead have two: the salary you’d like in an ideal world and the one you’d be prepared to accept. Basically, you want to aim for somewhere within that range so you have a bit of a cushion in case your asking salary is too high. Most companies will be happy to meet you in the middle or offer something within that range, even if it’s in the bottom third. However, with that in mind, don’t be afraid to kick things off with the higher figure. After all, you don’t ask, you don’t get - and you never know, they might just agree to your dream amount!
Do prove your value
Whether you’re interviewing for a new job or even negotiating a pay rise in your existing role, one of the most important things you can do to make a strong case for your salary requirements is prove your worth. Don’t be afraid to blow your own trumpet: yes, you don’t want to be too arrogant, but a list of facts and figures showing exactly what you have brought to the table in your current role or previous position will be hard to argue with. What makes you unique? What can you offer the company in addition to the basic job description? Outline your key skills and why they’re useful, and make sure you highlight your achievements too - after all, if you’re expecting your potential employer to re-think the salary for you, you’ll need to show them you're worth it!
Don’t be afraid to counter-offer
Once you’re given a salary offer, it’s pretty standard practice that you’ll be expected to counter offer. No employer wants a pushover and showing that you're not afraid to stand your ground will highlight your determination and ambition. However, bear in mind that you shouldn't go back to the negotiating table more than once as it will just drag the entire process out and become annoying and time consuming for everyone involved. And if you do get the job or decide to accept their final offer, you don’t want to start off on the wrong foot! Generally speaking, one round of negotiations is acceptable and will probably be expected. If you're feeling nervous about the negotiation process, don’t worry - your marketing recruitment agency will be able to guide you through it.
Do make sure you take time to think
Once your potential employer makes their final offer, it’s important to make sure you give yourself some time to think about it - even if it is the offer you desperately want and the right marketing career path for you. There are two reasons behind this: firstly, you want to make sure it is truly the right amount for you. No one will appreciate it if you accept straight away then come back a few days later asking for more money once you’ve done your sums and realise that in actual fact you do need more. And secondly, separation creates anticipation and will also give you a bit of added time to chat things through with your family or any other employers you are interviewing with too.
Bonus tip - don’t be disheartened!
If after your best negotiation efforts the company isn’t able to come up with a number that works, don’t be too disheartened and don’t take things personally. Instead take a deep breath and a step back and look at the bigger picture: are there other benefits in the package that could make up for the lower salary? From pension schemes to company cars, additional holiday or flexible working, salary isn’t everything and it might be foolish to walk away from your dream job. You can always ask for a performance review in six months so you can bring up the topic of salary again. Finally, if you do decide that ultimately it’s just not right for you, make sure you ask to keep in touch - you never know, a more suitable position might open up in the future that suits you better.
In conclusion, asking for the salary you want really isn’t as scary as it may seem, as long as you are properly prepared and stay as flexible as you can. If you're ready to progress your marketing career path, or if you’d like any advice on how to negotiate and get the salary you want, contact Stonor today.