To know How to Reply To Desired Salary….Read on this article….!
So, after being a little nervy about the job interview, you have come out of it quite easily. You are spot-on, direct, and unflinching, and you know you’ve made an impression. You ask yourself what you were even worried about in the first place, as you have seemingly done the hard part. But, here comes the rather iffy question; what should be your desired salary….Reply to this question has always left a few prospective employees in a tight spot in the past. But the important thing to do with regards to the desired salary is to have done proper research, be confident in your demands, and give a range of numbers you know is appropriate.
How to Reply To Desired Salary?
To reply the question about desired salary you must ensure the following things
- Make sure to have done the required research
- Be confident in your demands
- Give a range of numbers you are sure is appropriate
- Talk about why those numbers should be what they are
Make Sure to have done the Required Research.
This might well be the most important point in terms of replying to interview questions about your potential salary; hence it goes first on the list. Surely, before your interview process, you would have done the required homework on the institution you’re applying to work at. As such, it is also important to research the range of salary they give for the position for which you are submitting that application. Of course, it is not that simple, and some organisations do not just have that information out there. And if that is the case, it is important to research the average or standard salary for that position you want to apply for. Why is this important? It tells what to expect, what to demand, and the kind of pushback to anticipate. It is a bargaining tool you cannot afford to do without.
Be Confident in Your Demands
Speaking of demands…Research is undoubtedly important, but it is just as imperative to portray confidence in what you demand. It is not enough to know what to ask. It is also key to outrightly and confidently state them to the prospective employer(s). Why is that? Because confidently stating the figure gives the impression that you know your value, you know what the market demands for your skillset are. It also portrays the message that you have done your homework on the institution. Confidentiality is also important in dealing with any potential pushback; a flinching and wavering attitude might give the impression that you can be easily swayed, hurting your prospects of even being employed.\
Give a Range of Appropriate Numbers
It is good to state a figure and state it directly and without hesitation. But it’s better to state a range of figures. While being confident is key, being cocky is not quite as endearing and impressive a trait, and sometimes, stating a figure boldly might give the off-putting impression of over-confidence. It is one thing to know what you want and what you’re worth. It’s another to make it seem like your potential employer does not. Moreover, giving a range of figures passes off the notion that you understand the market is not necessarily set in stone, and there’s no ‘one size fits all’. ‘My payment should be $1200 per month’ sounds arrogant. ‘I believe with the current state of the market, the rate for my position should be between $1100 and $1400 per month’ sounds like you are bargaining. Plus, you could extend beyond the average salary when giving an estimate, and who knows? Your luck could be in. Again, be straightforward when giving a range; it is important not to sound arrogant, but it is also key that you do not come off as evasive or someone who is speaking off a rehearsed internet script.
Talk About Why Those Numbers Should be What You Say
Now, this is key. Because, when all is said and done, for all the permutations and discourse, the simple fact is no one wants to give up money for free, not least employers. So, while you state your salary confidently and straightforwardly, it should be said. You should also state why that should be the case. Perhaps they were paying whoever occupied that position before you less than you demanded, and they would like to know why you should get more. And you need to tell them why; is it down to socio-economic changes in society? Has the cost of living improved? Do you believe your efforts will contribute to a huge degree of their overall profits? Or are you just certain you could do a better job than whoever came before? Tell them those things, and confidently state them as well. Remember, you’re trying to convince them that there’s a valid reason and an upside to them paying you as much as you demanded.
Conclusion
Again, there is no one size fits all, salary discussions are tough, and you do not want to seem greedy, and at the same time, you are trying not to look cheap or lacking in ambition. You are human, and it is natural to seem a bit uncertain in cases like this. But it is important to be confident and remember that if you were not good enough, you would not have gotten that interview in the first place. Place belief in knowing your worth, and be confident that the interviewer knows it as well.
Frequently asked Questions
- How do I ask a salary question?
In most cases, it is important to save the salary discussion till last, after you have cleared the initial hurdles and there is a mutual understanding between both parties that the interview has gone well. You can also try framing the salary in terms of ‘compensation’ if you are wary of being too straightforward.
- Do I ask about benefits?
In many cases, you should, particularly in terms of whether or not benefits are included in the salary or come as separate packages. For instance, if you’re working from home, does your salary include internet pay or other tools needed to facilitate your remote work. It is important to iron out details and leave as little room as possible for ambiguity.
