You apply for a role that you particularly like and you are called for an interview.
When the meeting came, everything went perfectly.
You feel a firm match between your needs and the expectations of the potential future employer.
Based on your intuition, he is strongly considering making you an offer.
During the question period or at the end of the interview is the ideal time for you to initiate the discussion about your salary expectations and other benefits: FALSE
The goal is to focus the discussion on mutual interest and the matching of values, needs, vision, skills, etc.
The perfect fit necessarily heralds a lasting and happy match for both parties.
You need to choose a position for the right reasons that go beyond salary.
Instead, wait for the employer to bring up the subject with you!
If you say too high a number, your appetite may dampen their interest, despite your qualifications. But conversely, if you offer a salary that is too low, it could cripple your ability to negotiate upward later and diminish the confidence you have in your abilities.
By making a great impression during your interview, seeing your skills may make them want to stretch their budget to give you the amount you like. The negotiation that follows will make it much easier to reach common ground through win-win solutions.
What should we do when asked about our salary expectations?
- You can share your most recent salary. This is a good option if you feel you were paid well enough in your previous role.
- Suggest a desired range rather than a specific number. This median is preferable in most cases because you are less likely to exclude yourself from potential candidates by going too high or to demonstrate a decrease in your abilities by going too low.
- Exchange information on the usual compensation associated with this role. This will allow the company to judge whether they can afford to hire you or even offer you a raise over your last employer.
- Mention to your interviewer that you do not yet have a specific figure in mind, but that you will consider any offer fair and reasonable. You can then ask them what they have budgeted for the position.
To further assist you, we recommend that you consult job boards, newsletters, a colleague in the same field, or use a salary calculator to give you an idea of the compensation for the role.
Now that you know how to communicate your desired salary in a professional manner, we hope it will help you get more interviews and stay calm throughout the process until you receive an offer that is right for you, that reflects your skills and value as an employee!
