When faced with a decision on how to handle the delicate part of your compensation, package, you may find yourself wondering just what to do. First of all, it is important to get through the interview FIRST: Do not attempt to discuss salary issues until the very end of your conversations.
It is important for you to know your relative worth. Do the research ahead of time and find out what other companies are offering for the type of position for which you are applying Factor in considerations such as the number of years experience you have and any special education you may have completed.
Do not make statements such as “I need to earn at least $40,000 because I have a son going to college next year.” This is SUCH a turnoff to an employer. (He is hiring YOU, not your son, and he could care LESS whether the kid goes or doesn’t go to college!)
Compensation is ALWAYS, ALWAYS about what kind of value you can bring to the company.
If you find yourself at an impasse, with the employer offering less than you really want, one thing you can do is tell him that you will be pleased to take the position at his proposed salary ON THE CONDITION that he will agree to give you an early review, say 6 months into your employment. And, get this in writing, for your own sake!
Don’t forget to factor into the equation the various benefits provided: education, fitness programs, vacation time, health/dental/pension plans and so on.
Once you have reached the part of the interview where you are talking about money, it is perfectly acceptable—and even expected—for you to ask the employer for a couple of days to ‘think’ about his offer. But make it very clear to him that you DO want the job and that you are excited about having been offered the position.
Whatever you do, though, end your meeting on a cheerful, happy and upbeat note!
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