I've got a job I like but I'd like to get a better job. This Tuesday I have an interview at a much bigger firm. Then I had a lunch with an ex-co-worker and he is going to attempt to get me an interview with his company. When/if they ask how much money I require how do I answer, I wouldn't quit my old job for less then $xx,xxx but I am looking around. That seems really freaking weird to answer but at the same time I want to get the best I can. How do I word that??
2006-08-24 09:26:09 · 11 answers · asked by Lisa 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I really want to know is it selfish sounding to say "but I am looking around" and by that meaning if the price isnt' right I'm outta here??
2006-08-24 09:32:32 · update #1
Oh I'm a degreed civil engineer with 1.5 years experience in the same stuff I'm interviewing for.
2006-08-24 09:33:21 · update #2
You sound as if you have clear goals and expectations, and you know what you want. If they ask about salary at the interview, tell them the truth - that you are happy at your current job so your only reason to move would be to better your situation. They will appreciate honesty.
BTW, someone who is "getting you an interview" - will that look to the company as if you are not happy at your old job, that you really want to work for them and that money isn't an issue? Just thinking out loud, so to speak ....
Best of luck ... I hope you find what you are looking for.
2006-08-24 09:36:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
The salary question can cause some anxiety. And the answer you mentioned, "I wouldn't quit my old job for less then $xx,xxx but I am looking around", is a good response. It's direct and tells the interviewer that you are in the market if the salary is in your range. It's an assertive statement and shows confidence. However, I would make one minor adjustment, "I wouldn't quit my job for less then $xx,xxx ... but I am willing to negotiate". This response indicates you are open but you also want a fair and/or competitive salary for the experience you're bringing to the position.
2006-08-24 09:42:57 · answer #2 · answered by mloessel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your experience and how much the local job market values the position you are applying for. I would suggest checking it out first. You don't want to give a number that's too low because then you won't feel so good about the job when you find out what your coworkers are making. Also, a higher number would not be good either. You might want to establish a range that you would be willing to take the job for considering factors such as the commute, the culture of the company, and whether it is going to be worth it to you. Also, would this be a better job or a horizontal move? Once you get through that, just be confident about what you say. :)
2006-08-24 09:39:44 · answer #3 · answered by Chris S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well - that one is easy....you give a clue about where you stand, make it as good looking as possible and then turn the question to them:
When the question comes up you say...."in my current job I am making xxx and I have a lot of nice benefits ,a,b,c, and xx vacation days, (summarize everything you think your current employer is offering you and is great). And when changing jobs I would expect to get a little more. How does that fit with to what you would offer? "
You don't need to use exactly those words...but you got the idea?
2006-08-24 09:59:18 · answer #4 · answered by spaceskating_girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why does it seem weird to answer ?
The first tip is to interview them -
"I can offer you a/b/c/z, what can you offer me, including salary?"
When they tell you what they would be prepared to pay, add 10-15% then say -
"I wouldn't quit my old job for less then $xx,xxx "
Ask for what you think you're worth OR for what you want.
BE STRONG.
If they're interested, they'll pay - if not, keep looking.
2006-08-24 09:39:41 · answer #5 · answered by Froggy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell then what you're looking for. Ask for more then you think you can get, you might be surprised by getting it. And if they balk, you can indicate you're open to negotiate. If they're too stingy then you have to reconsider if you really want to work there.
Say "I'm looking for something in the $xx,xxx range" which indicates you're open to negotiate. Make sure that the range you give them is above your minimum. Be bold and assertive. Good luck!
2006-08-24 09:36:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like that. Say that you're worth X a year and be confident about it. It's all a negotiation and if you're currently happy at your job you have some bargaining power--if you're a find, they'll pay you to steal you.
2006-08-24 09:29:42 · answer #7 · answered by Kim S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some interviewing mistakes that you need to avoid regardless of which company you interview with. You need to be prepared no matter what.
2006-08-27 02:13:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that you want to be paid higher than what you are making now. If they can't match that then the company isn't worth being with in the first place.
2006-08-24 16:23:33 · answer #9 · answered by aadams_22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they may ask salery expectations, id say be honest......
or do what Im doing.... taking an £8,000 a year pay CUT yes CUT just to do a job I want to do rather than what pays more.
your choice though!
2006-08-24 09:32:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋