How much per hour should I ask for at interview?

Question

I am responding to an ad that stated the pay as 410-$15 an hour and they wanted 1+ to 2 years experience. I have about 6 years in the field that they are hiring for but have been in a different career for about 2 years(1 year working in different field and 1 year off work with pregnancy) The last job I had in the field that I am applying to...my highest pay was $9.50. I have the experience but am not confident enough to ask for the $15.00 and hour. Should I try and see or start off at about $12? They must have liked my resume, they called me back the same day. I am not in a hurry to find a full-time job but if I have a chance at making good money, I need the income.

I'm also the type of employee who goes in on days off when needed and stays late. This is a job where the end of the month has to be closed.

Answer 1

As an employer, your negative would be out of the industry for 2 years but obviously the 6 years experience would compensate.

I always like when I can get employees for less but I know that I get what I pay for. If you ask for $15 you will sound like you know you are worth $15 and that will be another plus.

Lots of employees ask for an amount but are offered less. I say ask for $15, the worst that will happen is they offer you less.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If they are looking for 1-2 years experience and you have 6 years then you should ask for the $15.00 for sure. Especially if they called you back right away they are obviously interested and should have no problem giving you what they said the max pay would be considering that you have much more experience than necessary. Even if you were out for a couple years, that does not mean anything to them obviously. Be confident and ask for what you deserve! If they like you then they should have no problem paying that, and they will not decide not to hire you because you asked for what they were advertising the position at. What's the worst that could happen? They tell you they will give you $12.00? Start high. I would be willing to bet money to say that if they decide to hire you they will give you the $15.00. Just remember, be confident and let them know THAT YOU ARE WORTH IT! I'm curious to see how this comes out....Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

From my experience:
The interview is NOT the place to ask for your money. The interview is where you get to impress them and let them know how much you can do for them.

After they decide they can't live without you :) is when you're in a better position to negotiate salary. That way, you're coming to the job from a position of strength, not need.

Keep in mind that what you're offering them in terms of talent and dedication is worth far more than the $15.

1. Let them make the first offer. Tell them you'd like a day to consider it.
2. If it's low, tell them, in a nice way, that you believe your experience in the field warrants a larger salary. And then stay quiet.
3. If they come up some, but you still feel like you want more (and who doesn't?!?) then offer to work for a trial period of 3 months at XX salary. If at the end of that time they like you and you like them, then your salary will be renegotiated. (I've used that one several times) (keep in mind that you will have to go to them at the end of the 3 month period-- they might forget)

Lastly:

Since you're not in a hurry for a full time job, you've got the power. And that will radiate through as confidence.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Be confident... I had the same senario back in October. Was off work for a year raising my son etc. They didn't even give a pay scale. I KNOW I am worth the money I make and now maybe a little more.. going to ask for a raise soon. I needed to get a certain amount per hour to meet my needs per week which is $14/hr. At the interview I confidently said I know my stuff and all aspects of this business and would definately be an asset to your company and I would like $15-$16 dollars per hour, of course they negotiate soo I am now making $14 per hour lol. BE CONFIDENT! :-)

Answer 5

what are you worth? if you think 15 is good then go for that. companies will try and lowball you whenever possible. fish around and see what they're offering (it doesn't hurt to ask). if it's around that ballpark then pursue. if it's low then don't even bother with it. put it this way. the company may know you're worth 15 an hour but will only want to pay you 12 or 13. they save a couple of bucks on you and if you stay with them long enough then you'll be "raised" to 15.

Answer 6

I'm not sure what your field is, but I have always been told do not talk money at the interview unless they happen to bring it up. Once it has been brought up, I would suggest asking for the $15/hr so that if they want to negotiate, you have some room with which to do so. Remember, not only are you selling yourself, but they are also selling their company. They want you to want to work for them. Even if you're not feeling very confident, act like you are. You'll be happy later.

Answer 7

Tell them you of coarse would like $15 but are willing to work with them and see what they offer back. Offering less sometime shows less confidence and they might even turn around and offer you even less. I tried to get into a new company and told them what I made- they told me they could only offer me 5,000 less... I said yes because I really like the company.. then they turn around and offered me another $5,000 less so I had to say NO. Ask for the full amount- the worst they can do is offer less!
Don't short change yourself.

Answer 8

I usually never talk about compensation unless they do or until they give you an offer. I think that discussing compensation makes me think that they are focused more on the pay than on what the job actual is.

Answer 9

Always start high so you have room to negotiate and so you dont undersell yourself. Ask for $15 to start this is one of the few times in life when you need to toot your own horn so to speak. Just dont get cocky. Good luck!

Answer 10

If you deserve the money you deserve the money. Ask what you think you deserve. 15.