AUTHOR: David M. Young
What salary are you seeking? What was your salary at your last employer? Or if worded how it can sometimes feel “Tell me your deepest and darkest secret.” No, that is not what is being asked, but people are so private with their income and salary, it can feel like a deep dark secret being shared.
So why share your salary…or really when is the right time to provide this for a future employer.
First off, never be the one who brings up salary. This also goes for benefits, vacation, time off, bonus, work hours, or overtime. If you are in an interview and it is not brought up, then don’t bring it up. This is something that will come up prior to an offer, our possibly during an offer discussion. At large companies, the interviewer may not be able to discuss it and woudl refer you to Human Resources. Discussing time off, work hours, overtime, or vacation can also be perceived as someone who is not a hard worker. Yes, these are critical details that would help you decide if you want to work at that company, but you want them to want you to work there before you are giving them reasons to think you are more concerned about your time away from the office.
But, when it comes up, be intentional in HOW you answer the question. I encourage people to not just give a specific number. What salary are you seeking? Answer with a range, with the higher number first. For example…if mowing yards (a good generic example) and someone asked what do you charge for my yard. I would answer (for purpose of this example…in real life I’d probably just give a specific number) “My fee ranges from $35 down to $20 for each time it is mowed depending on the size of your yard and any extras you would like included such as edging and bagging.” Now in real life you may not answer a mowing question like that, but it gives you perspective on the salary question. You might answer “$100,000 down to $85,000 depending on the other benefits and career opportunity.” If you say “$85,000 up to $100,000”…most likely the other person only heard or will remember the $85,000. You very likely might get an offer right at the lower number. Instead, you want the other person to know you have some flexibility, but that is based on the total compensation which can include bonus, benefits, or other non base pay items. Additionally, companies will often have a target range. If you give your dream number, you may price yourself out of the job.
On job applications, they will ask for salary at a previous employer as well as sometimes ask for desired salary. Be honest, but again, it is not inappropriate to provide a base number plus a total take home that could include your annual or Christmas bonus. If you have been making $50,000, but believe the market is paying $70,000, don’t just ask for $70,000. Be transparent with the future employer that you have been at $50,000 but that is why you are looking for a new opportunity and you believe the market is paying $X up to $X. You could also answer with a range and comment “depending on benefits and bonus”.
Before you make a hiring decision, you will want to know benefits, bonus, leave, vacation, etc….When asked for salary, just give your number as discussed above. Once given, you can ask for benefit details and if an offer is made, that will assist you in understanding the total opportunity.
If handled poorly, the salary question can be tricky. But if handled correctly, it will assist the future employer in understanding your desire and make sure you are rewarded financially accordingly.