You are almost there: your dream job is within reach or https://resumegets.com/police-officer. The second interview appointment is coming up and you are preparing meticulously for it. All information is valuable and the question begs you: What has the company budgeted for this position? If the question of wages has not yet been an issue, this time it will certainly be discussed: How much can it be?
“What wage expectations do you have for the job?” is the seemingly harmless introductory question. How do you answer?
A: I haven’t really thought about that yet.
B: More than I earn now.
C: Colleagues in similar positions earn so and so much.
Wrong. Here you should communicate clearly, not too modestly, not too arrogant. Tell your counterpart how much you are satisfied with. Give them numbers or a wage range.
The clarity in the salary expectations
When we, as consultants, accompany a recruitment process, we take up the question of salary expectations from the very first contact. We know the customer’s budget for the relevant position and can estimate the market value of a specific qualification profile. Above all, we will comment on your wage expectations accordingly, which a company will hardly do.
Companies expect from us personnel consultants a selection of candidates with clear wage expectations and usually even information on current wages. Often weeks, sometimes months, pass from the first telephone contact to the second conversation before this topic is taken up again. It may be that something has changed in the job profile in the meantime. Candidates often feel that they have good cards and start to play poker, in other words: they adjust wage expectations upwards at the last moment. That makes such candidates look bad.
Assess your own market value correctly
It is like things that the company is reluctant to ask about wages. So your expectations will be noted and they are unlikely to be commented on any further. Three options:
A: They are under budget or at the low end.
B: You’re in the middle or at the top of the job budget.
C: You are above the wage limit for the position.
A and B are not a problem. What is certain is that no reputable company will employ you below your market value. So do some research in advance to land at B. C is problematic: You either have exaggerated ideas, are overqualified for the position, or have arrived in the wrong industry.
It is important to put yourself in the company’s position: If the company wants to win you over as an employee, it will do everything in its power to make you an attractive offer. Are you therefore aware of your motives (not only concerning salary)? A transparent announcement is worthwhile here.
Don’t play poker!
Say what an offer should include that you would like to accept. If you are willing to negotiate on wages, make a commitment: don’t press around, don’t haggle, don’t vacillate, and don’t use the subjunctive. And pack few or even better no extras on it: The desire for a company car, share package, job opportunities for the girlfriend, free-living, the sign-on bonus is understandable, but out of place. Stick to the points that are important to you. And: think about it early enough whether you really want to let the deal go. There is no turning back after an overstretched arch.