What Salary Should I Ask For? Do This First

“I have been working at a PR and advertising firm, since the beginning of the year. Due to the corona pandemic, I had to take a 50% pay cut. I had mentioned to the HR manager that my hope was to be retained by the company when things went back to normal.

Last week, she informed me that although I am on a pay cut at the moment, she was hopeful that by January next year, I would get my full salary. She suggested that I stay with the company for the remainder of the year as I wait.

Although I yearn to work for this firm, another company has offered me a job. The salary being offered is lower than what I would earn if my full salary is restored at the PR and advertising firm next year. 

With uncertainty surrounding the ongoing pandemic, I am in a dilemma. Do I take the job or wait?

How do I talk about the salary with the other company that has offered me a job? How should I negotiate my salary, considering we are in the middle of an ongoing pandemic that has had a huge effect on the economy?”

With many professionals out of work and many companies laying off many of their employees, it may feel like you, as a professional, have very little leverage to talk about your salary and get what you want from a potential employer, right now.

However, that is not the case. You can get what you ask for, by doing the following:

1. Research

For you to be considered valuable in the job market, the focus is usually given to your experience, skills, and the market demand for the role. To get what you deserve, you need to know what your value is, in relation to your experience, skills, and market demand. 

You could start by searching for job postings to find salary information as it relates to the role and responsibilities. You can also ask people from other companies about the salary range for a similar position, and while at it, ask if the salary range you are thinking of is too high or too low. 

If you go in knowing what someone in your role should be making, you will have the facts to back up why you think you should earn more. 

2. Be Transparent

It is important for you, as a professional, to be open about your goals, during the hiring process.

If you are upfront about your salary goal right from the start, you will eliminate potentially difficult negotiations and disappointment that may arise later on.

Begin your conversation with the potential employer, by reselling yourself. Reaffirm the reasons they want you, the skills you’ll bring, and how you’ll solve their problems. Mention your key strengths and experience and emphasize how quickly you will be productive. Give them reasons to pay you more.

3. Ask the Right Questions

To get the best deal, you need as much information as possible.

The best way to get all the information is by asking questions. Towards the end of the interview, when asked whether you have any questions for your interviewers, here are some of the questions you could ask, that relate to your salary:

  • What are the expectations for this role?
  • What is the growth trajectory for this role?
  • What does the benefits package look like?
  • Is this a base-only offer?
  • Will there be a sign-on bonus?
  • How often do performance reviews take place, and will a raise be contingent on those reviews?

This way, you will leave the interview having an idea of whether that salary works for you, or not.

4. Negotiate 

What happens when you want the job, but the salary is not what you were expecting?

If the job meets your needs and includes room to grow, determine what is most important to you.

Will the company let you work from home? Will they offer off days? Explore all your options before you decide to walk away from the job offer. 

In Conclusion,

It is a daunting task to determine your worth and push for it when the company comes to you with a low salary offer. However, remember that you are worth it.

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