6 Dos and Don'ts of How to Handle Salary Expectations
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Salary negotiations tops the list of interview fears because executives don't want to lose money by not negotiating high enough or lose the job because they tried to negotiate the salary too high. It is important to prepare for salary questions and formulate responses that will answer just about any questions that surface regarding salary.



1. Research. You probably have a pretty good idea of what a particular position will pay when you apply, but it never hurts to do your due diligence to make sure you are talking the same dollar amounts that are within the range the company has budgeted for the job. Don't be shy! Ask the recruiter or someone you know in the field for the salary range or through salary websites.



2. Dodge the question. When the salary question is asked in an interview, you may be able to defer your response by emphasizing that your focus is not on salary but on the job and challenges - especially if this is brought up in the early stages of the interviewing process.



3. Be tactical. If you are able to dodge the salary question the first time around, great! If the question comes up again, don't try to evade it more than once. State your present salary and a range for the compensation you expect in the new position. The percentage between your current salary and what you want to make should be about 20-25% more.



4. Consider benefits. Salary offerings may come up short of expectations. However, there may be incentives that contribute to your consideration such as sign-on bonus, flex time, paid vacation, medical insurance, working from home, etc.



5. Be truthful. A recruiter or employer doesn't have to dig too deep to find inconsistences and lies. It's just not worth it. Be upfront and tell the truth when it comes to your salary level.



6. Don't ask about salary first. Talk about salary only when you are sure you want the job and have convinced the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job. If they want to hire you, that sets you up in the best position to negotiate.