|
|
Welcome to the Catalyze Forums
|
|
The Forums on Catalyze give members an opportunity to network with other members and ask/answer questions on current topics.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
You must be a registered member of the Catalyze community to post;
Click here to JOIN TODAY If you are already a member, SIGN IN HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Add Tag
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
gsd0519
Posts:2
 |
| 09/16/2008 9:12 AM |
 Alert
|
I wanted to get any feelings on when a potential employer asks your current salary, as it will effect the offer they make to you.
I don't like being paid on what I am making now. Different markets have different salaries.
Does anyone else get a little put-off when this question is asked?
And if so, how do you avoid giving the answer?
thanks-
Greg |
|
|
|
|
usability4u
Posts:1
|
| 09/19/2008 12:49 PM |
Alert
|
I also dislike how companies won't make it clear how much the salary is. They just say it's 'excellent' or 'negotiable'. I think the salary is one of the most important pieces of information a potential employee wants to hear, especially for a usability role - there aren't that many around so the likelihood is you may have to move for the position so salary is a very important factor in the decision making process.
My response to your query is to exaggerate what you are on. Let's face it, you want more money than you're currently getting, and in the rules of negotiation you should always ask for more so that when they come back at you with a lower offer it is actually the amount you wanted 
Always keep an eye on the job market so you have a rough idea of what they should be paying you. If you are informed of how much you should be being paid then you shouldn't feel bad asking for it - after all, you're worth it! |
|
|
|
|
samullins
Posts:1
|
| 09/23/2008 8:44 PM |
Alert
|
Rule number one: Don't lie. Don't lie about how much you actually make when a prospective employer asks you. It is a fact that can be checked, and don't fool yourself -- they will, and when they do, your reputation will be shot. From then on, you will always be known as a liar, so unless you're prepared to change your identity, it's a very bad idea to lie.
If you think you really aren't being paid what you think you are worth, then you will need some information to back up your opinion. First, you should always know how much your skills and experience are worth in the marketplace where you are seeking a new position. You have to do some research and get the current salary information for your specialty, your experience and skill level, and the positions you desire. Remember, it's not "you" that has the value, it's what you can do for the prospective employer, the value you are bringing to their organization. Be aware of it and be prepared to talk about it in the interview.
Then you will be prepared when the prospective hiring manager asks you about your current salary level. In my opinion, it's better to be honest and tell them. Then you can tell them how long you've been making that amount if it's longer than a year, and follow that by telling them about the skills, knowledge, experience, attitude, etc., that makes you think you should be making more than that. If you have had great reviews, be sure to talk about that too. (Tip: All of this should also be in your resume, and the excellent samples of your work product that you have brought with you to the interview -- you did that, right? -- should provide ample illustration of your skills.) After all, if you already have a job where you are happy making what you want to make, why would you be seeking a new one?
Also, how do you know that the interviewer isn't a personal friend of your current manager and already knows not only how much you make but has discussed you with his/her friend, and is testing your honesty?
The rules of negotiation don't involve shooting yourself in the foot by exaggerating (lying about) your current salary. If you are up-front and just answer the question, the interviewer will get several new ideas about you: you're honest, you're not afraid to discuss salary requirements, you're not afraid of hard questions, you're comfortable and confident, you're mature, etc. These are all good things to plant in the interviewer's mind, right?
After you tell the interviewer what you are making, and make your case for why it is too low for what you do and why you think you should get more, if they make an offer that is too low, you have the option to keep looking. But your goal should be to make yourself look and sound so good, both on paper and in person, and via good references, that they will offer you what you want.
You won't feel put off by the question if you are prepared and have the right attitude, and keep the salary discussion in the proper perspective. It's not the only thing or the most important thing you will talk about in the interview.
|
|
|
|
|
gsd0519
Posts:2
|
| 09/24/2008 8:23 AM |
Alert
|
Playing devil's advocate...are you sure they can access my current salary? I wouldn't think that's legal. |
|
|
|
|
Mark
Posts:1
|
| 09/24/2008 10:55 AM |
Alert
|
Here's the rule...you get a better bump when you move from one company to another than when you stay and get a raise every year.
When I have been an employee looking for a new job, I ask for an increase from what I am currently making based on my initial salary plus the time I have put into the job. So, If I come in at X dollars and have spent three years as a very busy BA, I am probably getting a 3% bump every year. However, my value due to experience may be worth much more, especially when moving within an industry. Let's say I came in at 75K and after three years I am breaking 83K. 75K plus three years experience may be worth much more on the open market, say 95K. I would also emphasize any certifications and training you have added since starting, especially as it shows your commitment to improving your skillset.
Also, don't flinch when you tell them what you want. You only get one shot at your starting salary. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|