"How much do I cost": how to correctly define your salary expectations so as not to miscalculate

Determine the amount that suits you

Low salary - the most common reason for dismissal at their own request in Russia. Therefore, it is logical that when looking for a new job, we expect a higher income than in the previous place. For example, 10% more - within observed inflation rate. Study the vacancies according to your profile, where the salaries are listed: you will see if your expectations fit into the employers' capabilities. Chances are, you were critically underpaid in your previous job. In this case, you can safely add a third, or even half, to the last salary - if only the final amount fits into the market.

You can also apply for a higher than the market average, salaryif you are a competent expert who can find a job even without sending a resume. But these expectations must be reasonable, so be prepared to provide a list of your accomplishments when requested by a potential employer. For example, you are an SMM specialist who has successfully led three communities at the same time and achieved an unprecedented conversion. Or speak multiple languages ​​and have even translated a couple of bestsellers into Russian.

There are at least two cases when salary expectations should be somewhat reduced, even if they are at the market level: you have been looking for a job for a long time and unsuccessfully, or you have no experience at all.

Add it to your resume

Not all candidates do this. Many expect that during a personal meeting or even a telephone conversation, they will quickly find their bearings and be able to agree on the most favorable conditions for themselves. But in vain: often recruiters look first of all exactly summary indicating the salary. After all, this significantly saves them time on negotiating conditions. But if you did not indicate anything, this, of course, does not mean that no one will call you. It's just that the search process can be delayed.

Perhaps you are a rare expert with an impressive track record who does not feel the need to provide numbers. After all, a good HR specialist can already estimate how much you are applying for. In this case, the recruiter will probably try to find out your expectations in the initial screening interview by phone. In any case, you will have to outline your salary expectations before the face-to-face interview: either on your resume or in conversation. Think about it if you put that amount in advance, it will shorten the time it takes to find your dream job.

Prepare for your interview

When you are invited for a face-to-face interview, be prepared for the recruiter to clarify your salary expectations again. Even if they are indicated in the resume or you have discussed this issue by phone. To negotiate money successfully, adhere to the following rules.

1. Don't be the first to talk about your salary

Any employer understands that this is an important issue and is unlikely to forget to discuss it, so there is no need to seize the initiative. It may seem to the employer that money is the main thing that interests you in the work. If you get a job in a large company and you have several rounds of interviews, the question of salary can be finally discussed only at the last one, and this is normal. Better not to change your expectations from meeting to meeting within the same company.

2. Name the amount yourself

When they finally ask you what salary you are counting on, you should not answer in the best traditions of Odessa jokes a question to a question, for example: "How much can you offer?" The employer may not interpret the answer to yours. benefit. For example, he will think that you yourself do not know how much you are worth in the labor market. Or that you are bargaining corny, fearing to sell too cheap. Both are negative.

If on interview If you find out that the scope of responsibilities in reality is wider than that indicated in the vacancy, do not hesitate to name a slightly larger amount than you originally planned. In this case, you can easily justify your point of view. After all, it is easier and cheaper for a company to pay you extra for additional functions than to hire a separate person for this job.

3. Do not rush to say that you are ready to "move"

This should only be done if the employer makes it clear that your expectations do not fit into their budget. Otherwise, it may seem like you yourself do not believe that you deserve as much as you ask for.

You can "move" up to a maximum of 20-25%. Therefore, even before the interview, determine not only the desired amount, but also the minimum that will suit you. For example, you would like to earn 50,000 rubles, but agree to 40,000, if other conditions in the company suit you completely. But 35,000 is no longer worth it. In this case, the employer may decide that you initially overestimated your expectations, but at the same time you are not very much in demand in the market, since you easily yield.

4. Clarify all financial aspects

Be sure to indicate that the amount you named is "net", that is, after taxes. And make sure that the employer means the same when talking about salaries in the company. Also find out what will be stated in your employment contract. This can be either the entire amount named, or some salary plus bonuses that you may not always receive.

Feel free to ask about other ways of motivating the company. This can be, for example, VHI policy, payment of expenses for transport and mobile communications, quarterly and annual bonuses, options. What if they are willing to offer you a salary slightly less than what you expect? Consider if the bonuses offered make up for this difference.

Also find out if the company offers training and continuing education programs. First, it will show you yourself as a motivated professional who is ready to improve. And secondly, all these opportunities are a good chance for you to increase your "value" while working at this place.

5. Don't link to other companies

You may be asked where you have already been in interviews. Don't tell each of your employers that others are willing to make you a better deal. And at the same time you are thinking and want to hear what they promise you here. Yes, sometimes it works: if you are an overvalued shot, the employer will want to entice you immediately. But after that, the company that offered more will see you as an unreliable person. Reputation is worth more than a few awards.