Show Me The Money - How To Answer The "Salary" Question

Most job seekers dread talking to recruiters and employers about salary. In many states it’s illegal to ask candidates about their current salary. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be asked about your expectations.

The truth is, you can’t completely dodge the salary question.

But, to some degree you can control it. You do this by understanding the process and being prepared.

This episode covers 3 areas: why recruiters as about your salary, possible ways to respond, and how to determine a salary range. ***

#1 Why do recruiters ask about your salary?

As a former recruiter, I know they don’t ask your salary requirements to put you on the spot. Recruiters ask about your salary because each job has a predetermined salary range which has been provided by the hiring manager and/or human resources.

Experienced recruiters know that salaries at the higher end of the spectrum will go to the most desirable candidates, those who have everything they are looking for, and salaries at the lower end will go to those with fewer skills or less experience.
(To learn more about how recruiters work listen to Episode #5 Former Recruiter Shares How Recruiters Work and How They Can (And Cannot) Help You)

#2 How should you respond to questions about salary?

If you want to be considered for the position you need to prepare an answer for salary questions.

Some states have passed laws prohibiting employers from asking job applicants about their salary history. As of June 2, 2020, 19 states have enacted salary history bans, according to HRDIVE. (Check your state on HRDIVE’s running list of salary history bans.)

But that doesn’t mean there will be no salary questions. Recruiters and employers can ask you about your expectations. There are a few ways you can answer. Always remember that the highest salary in that range will go to a candidate who meets most if not all the requirements.

#3 How to you decide on a salary range?

Research, research, research. The best way to be ready for the dreaded salary question is to prepare in advance. There is plenty of information readily available.

One of the easiest ways to find out salary information is online. A few of them are

Salary.com, Payscale.com, Bureau of Labor and Statistics (Wage Data by Area and Occupation), and The Occupational Outlook Handbook (Earnings)

After your research get additional information by talking to people either familiar with or working in your target position.

Remember that compensation is more than just salary. It’s also benefits like health insurance, vacation and sick time (Paid Time Off), tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, etc. Make a list of the criteria that’s most important to help you evaluate job offers.

Talking salary is tricky for both sides. Prepare your answer to the salary question before you begin your job search to avoid getting caught off guard.

*** Please note: the content in this episo

📌 NEW Podcast: Content Marketing School.
Thank you for listening, I hope you found this episode insightful and relevant. If you're a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur, or just want to dive more deeply into content marketing. I hope you'll join me on my new podcast, Content Marketing School.
Available on your favorite podcast platform.
(Previously recorded, Live Show)
Follow Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackdogmarketingstrategies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annetteadvises
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteadvises/
Visit our website https://blackdogmarketingstrategies.com/