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12 QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SALARY
Salary history and expectations are two totally different areas. Many people feel their privacy is being invaded when they ask questions about this. You should be prepared for them. As in everything else, be honest. At the end of the chapter, we will give you some keys about expectations. (answer to question 11).
1. What is your current salary?
My base salary is… (… per year). Counting the extra hours, bonus at the end of the year, company’s saving plans, retirement and reward actions, I earn… (…per year) without counting the complete medical insurance.”
Talk about the benefits you get, don’t give things for granted, it is better to be extensive in that moment rather than forgetting something you may regret later. Not all companies have the same benefits, not even within the same branch. Express clearly if the value you are indicating is monthly or annual, if it is a pocket salary (the one you effectively get) or nominal or brute, etc. Don’t leave doubts to your interlocutor.
2. How do you analyze your salary history? You would know if it satisfies you or not.
It is possible that you won’t remember your history step by step, but can’t forget about your current salary. Therefore, comment your last salaries, and if it is of any importance for the position, provide the missing information in your next meeting.
3. Have they ever denied giving you a salary raise?
Think about the last two years and talk about the things that really happened. The question aims to clarify if they have denied giving you a salary raise, if you didn’t ask for them or they couldn’t deny them to you.
4. Are you happy with your salary?
You must be aware of your real situation, but don’t make manifestations you can regret later on.
5. If you are not happy with your salary, why don’t they pay you more?
This is not the time to talk other people down and even worst if that person is your current employer. Get rid of the passion and then answer. A possible answer would be: “I understand they value me; my bosses have a good concept of me, maybe the company can’t pay better salaries, but I have to look after myself and is why I am trying to increase my income.
6. Do you consider that the people of your history/experience should get a higher salary?
The same concept of question 4 applies.
7. How much would you like to gain in 2/5/10 years?
There are companies in which they value the people with high pretensions in the economic area, but others don’t. If you are not aware of how is it like in that company, be conservative with your answer.
8. If your performance is outstanding, would you expect a special reward?
Not in an individual way. Though I would expect to be recognized with the company’s standards.
9. Do you have any extra income?
Talk about the situation objectively. If you have another job or income from a business, current or previous say it. As well as if you do any other activity.
If the job is what we call a full time, comment that if you are chosen for the position and the salary is satisfactory, you will be happy to leave your extra job. Say this only if you are sure about doing it when the time arrives. Don’t lie about it.
10. Is there any other income besides yours in your family budget?
This question is related to your spouse or older children. You should only answer yes or no, you shouldn’t give numbers. This is not something to discuss in the interview.
11. In synthesis, how much do you expect?
The answer is very difficult from the position of a person who writes a book, but we will try to help you “make” a number. Let’s see some ideas, according to your situation.
If you have no job: say what was your last salary and comment that ”you would like to keep the previous level, but you will listen to offers”.
If you have a job and you have a strong vocation for change: comment what is your current salary, that you want to keep the current level and you will listen to offers because you are really interested in changing jobs.
If you have a job and you only want to change it because you want to improve your current salary, calculate how much you want to increase it and say a number with decision. If you are not convinced, you won’t convince others.
Note: If you are a young person and you are searching for your first job: don’t play with numbers. Say that you will listen to the offer, but your main interest is to begin working. If the offer doesn’t result appropriate later, you always have the option of not accepting it. In the case of young people, it is very difficult that the employer will change the foreseen salary level just because someone asks for a determined value.
12. Would you be willing to reduce your salary expectations if it were necessary?
Evaluate what you feel about this point. Adapt yourself into a different level within certain limits can be a good idea if you are interested in the position.
I would advice you to wait for a concrete offer before giving a definite answer.
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