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HOW DO YOU DISCUSS PAY WITH A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER?
Congratulations! You got the job, but now comes the part you may really be uncomfortable about: negotiating your salary package. When should you talk about salary and benefits? How much do you ask for, and how do you determine what salary package is right for you? These are all important things to consider.
Why does an employer ask about your salary expectations?
• They may have a budget they must stay within when hiring.
• They may want to gauge how well you know your worth.
• They may want to determine whether the pay rate that you are expecting matches your professional level.
When NOT to discuss pay
• The first interview is NOT the time for you to ask about pay and benefits. Instead, you should ask questions about the roles and responsibilities of the position and the culture of the company.
When to discuss pay
• The best time to discuss your pay rate is when the employer calls to offer you the job. Before accepting it, ask all the questions you have about pay and benefits.
• Make sure you have checked the job posting ahead of time so you know the pay range they are offering. Stay within that range when you discuss your compensation package.
• Also, check the regional and national pay ranges for your position. Have both the hourly and yearly amounts in mind. Examples:
A good range for an hourly pay for this position would be $________/hour.
A good range for an annual salary for this position would be $________/yr.
Helpful free websites for salary research:
• Carefully consider the benefits package. A job with a lower hourly wage, may actually pay more when you consider the benefits package.
• Keep in mind that if a salary is not negotiable, a benefits package may be. Additional vacation or PTO time, a more flexible schedule, or a work from home schedule may be something they can offer. Know what your priorities are. If a better benefits package is more attractive to you than a higher paycheck, don’t hesitate to accept the job.
How to negotiate the amount of pay
• If you are asked what you expect to be paid, don’t say a range of pay. Instead, state the midpoint in the range (e.g., “I was expecting/I would like to earn $36/hour” if the range is $35-$37.) THEN be prepared to back that up. You had to sell yourself during the interview, and that needs to continue here. Sell yourself by explaining how your strengths and experience will benefit the company and how it justifies a higher salary.
Be professional and polite during the discussion
• It’s important to be professional and polite as you discuss your rate of pay. From the time you walk into the interview to the moment they offer you the job, remember to be positive, smile, and show that you know your worth. Be confident about the skills you can offer the employer. Remember you have a valuable degree and excellent training.
When the employer states their final offer, what if you are still unsure?
• If the employer offers you a rate or salary package that is less than what you anticipated, thank them for the offer and say you will consider it. You do not have to accept it immediately.
• Ask for 24 to 48 hours to consider the offer. This allows you to reach out to instructors, the Career Resource Center, or other professionals to get advice about the opportunity.
• If an employer says no to your request for 24 to 48 hours to consider the offer, it is a serious red flag. That company may not be a place you want to start your career.
Remember, your biggest challenge after the interview is being happy and comfortable with a compensation package. You have to decide what is most important for you, whether that is strictly pay or if the benefits offered carry more weight in your decision at this particular time. If you do your research, can justify why you deserve the pay you are requesting, and make sure you continue to point out how you will be an asset to the organization, you’ll be able to discuss your pay with confidence!
Revised 9 July 2024