How to approach money when speaking with prospective employer?

[Gunslinger08]

So I'm looking at a new job, but I don't know how to approach the subject of money. I really don't want to waste my time or the prospective employer's time with formal interviews and such if they are looking to pay someone less than what I'm currently earning. How do I bring this up in my initial phone call (after submitting my resume and having them contact me) without it sounding bad?

 

[KLin]

You say "show me the money!!" jerry maguire style as soon as they say hello. :thumbsup:

 

[jpeyton]

You: What are the base pay and benefits for this position?
Employer: Your question sounds bad. Go away.

 

[mooglemania85]

Originally posted by: joshsquall
I really don't want to waste my time or the prospective employer's time with formal interviews and such if they are looking to pay someone less than what I'm currently earning.

Don't mention $. At least not during the early interviews (assuming there will be more than 1). Although you don't want to waste your time, it's important to show / give the impression that you're interested in the position and not solely motivated by $$. Most employers should have an idea of what compensation level would be appropriate depending on your work history/educ/exp., and if after interviewing you feel that the initial offer you receive is somewhat low, that is the time to start negotiating a better package.

If your research on the co. indicates that their pay scale is lower than what you are making now, then you need to ask yourself whether there are other intangibles which warrant sending your resume.

 

[NanoStuff]

You're not told right away because there is no answer to give right away. Compensation is based on your qualifications and they won't know what they are until the end of the interview process. You should already know approximately how much such a position will pay, but you can't get the exact amount right away.

 

[aCynic2]

I'm not shy about such things as dialog and contact progresses. Unless you're in a special field that makes history (politics, research, etc), you work for money.

Go ahead and ask them how much they intend to pay you. If they ask you how much you're looking for, tell them the truth.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Don't act like they are doing you a favour. Remember, they need you too. You deserve to be paid the going rate for services rendered.

 

[imported_sicko]

Originally posted by: aCynic2
I'm not shy about such things as dialog and contact progresses. Unless you're in a special field that makes history (politics, research, etc), you work for money.

Go ahead and ask them how much they intend to pay you. If they ask you how much you're looking for, tell them the truth.

If they ask me how much I am looking for, I usually tell them to come back with an offer when they are ready.

 

[dmw16]

I dont think that asking initially is a good idea. But you should have an idea based on the field and experience what the salary range is. And typically job listings show a salary range.

 

[Pacemaker]

Let them bring it up. If it is not enough tell them so. If they ask you for a number then make sure you have done some homework and give a realistic figure.

 

[Fraggable]

If they can't or won't tell you right away then they shouldn't be insulted that you wasted their time with 3 interviews before telling you. It's business, they don't have a right to be insulted.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: dmw16
I dont think that asking initially is a good idea. But you should have an idea based on the field and experience what the salary range is. And typically job listings show a salary range.

No salary range in listing. This is a small company (5 person IT staff, 40 person company), so I can't really research the company to find out probable salary. I'll just ask when I speak with them.. don't feel like wasting my time with a real interview if they're not offering a significant pay raise.

 

[alkemyst]

compensation should come up in the second interview if not before.

They may ask you in the first interview what do you want/think you will be making?

I always respond that I expect to be compensated within the range the postion dictates in my market. I also usually discuss it's important my salary keeps moving forward and that there is room for promotion.

If the job is not for me, I am cool to walk.

 

[Vic]

You ask. What's the big deal? Compensation is not a subject to be tap-danced around. It's your primary motivating factor.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: dmw16
I dont think that asking initially is a good idea. But you should have an idea based on the field and experience what the salary range is. And typically job listings show a salary range.

No salary range in listing. This is a small company (5 person IT staff, 40 person company), so I can't really research the company to find out probable salary. I'll just ask when I speak with them.. don't feel like wasting my time with a real interview if they're not offering a significant pay raise.

May I ask how old you are? How long you've been out of college? It seems like you asked this question, and when people pretty much unanimously responded in a way that you didn't like, you just decided to ignore their advice.

Apparently you knew better than everyone here, if so why did you bother asking the question in the first place?

Also - On the OP, my $0.02:

You NEED to "waste your time" with initial interviews pretty much every single time, unless you're ok with passing on many possible positions because they do not list a salary range up front (and/or tailor the salary range depending on a given candidate's skills/experience). The salary is often not discussed until the 2nd / 3rd interviews, that's just the way things are done. Even though you may think so, You are very likely not special enough to potential employers that you should be an exception to the rule. In this case, your "I don't want to waste my time" attitude will leave you with a lot of missed opportunities, that's for certain.

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: joshsquall

This is a small company (5 person IT staff, 40 person company)

That seems like a very high ratio.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: TheKub

Originally posted by: joshsquall
This is a small company (5 person IT staff, 40 person company)

That seems like a very high ratio.

It could be a technology company. Also many financial companies have ratios similar to that.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: ebaycj

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: dmw16
I dont think that asking initially is a good idea. But you should have an idea based on the field and experience what the salary range is. And typically job listings show a salary range.

No salary range in listing. This is a small company (5 person IT staff, 40 person company), so I can't really research the company to find out probable salary. I'll just ask when I speak with them.. don't feel like wasting my time with a real interview if they're not offering a significant pay raise.

May I ask how old you are? How long you've been out of college? It seems like you asked this question, and when people pretty much unanimously responded in a way that you didn't like, you just decided to ignore their advice.

Apparently you knew better than everyone here, if so why did you bother asking the question in the first place?

Also - On the OP, my $0.02:

You NEED to "waste your time" with initial interviews pretty much every single time, unless you're ok with passing on many possible positions because they do not list a salary range up front (and/or tailor the salary range depending on a given candidate's skills/experience). The salary is often not discussed until the 2nd / 3rd interviews, that's just the way things are done. Even though you may think so, You are very likely not special enough to potential employers that you should be an exception to the rule. In this case, your "I don't want to waste my time" attitude will leave you with a lot of missed opportunities, that's for certain.

I'm happy where I'm at, but if I can get a significant pay raise, I'm willing to jump ship. This is what I mean by "waste my time." I'm not changing unless they're paying.

I spoke to them earlier today. Their first question was how much I'm currently making. Sounds like I'm not the only one interested in the money side.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Of course your not the only one interested in the money side. EVERYone is. So tell them what you're currently making ++ a few grand it's not like they can call your current employer and ask.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: ebaycj

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: dmw16
I dont think that asking initially is a good idea. But you should have an idea based on the field and experience what the salary range is. And typically job listings show a salary range.

No salary range in listing. This is a small company (5 person IT staff, 40 person company), so I can't really research the company to find out probable salary. I'll just ask when I speak with them.. don't feel like wasting my time with a real interview if they're not offering a significant pay raise.

May I ask how old you are? How long you've been out of college? It seems like you asked this question, and when people pretty much unanimously responded in a way that you didn't like, you just decided to ignore their advice.

Apparently you knew better than everyone here, if so why did you bother asking the question in the first place?

Also - On the OP, my $0.02:

You NEED to "waste your time" with initial interviews pretty much every single time, unless you're ok with passing on many possible positions because they do not list a salary range up front (and/or tailor the salary range depending on a given candidate's skills/experience). The salary is often not discussed until the 2nd / 3rd interviews, that's just the way things are done. Even though you may think so, You are very likely not special enough to potential employers that you should be an exception to the rule. In this case, your "I don't want to waste my time" attitude will leave you with a lot of missed opportunities, that's for certain.

I'm happy where I'm at, but if I can get a significant pay raise, I'm willing to jump ship. This is what I mean by "waste my time." I'm not changing unless they're paying.

I spoke to them earlier today. Their first question was how much I'm currently making. Sounds like I'm not the only one interested in the money side.

Never ... EVER ... tell a potential employer how much you are currently making. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

What you currently make should have absolutely no influence on what they will potentially offer you, and by you telling them how much you make, it will in turn influence their offer.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: ebaycj

Originally posted by: joshsquall

Originally posted by: dmw16
I dont think that asking initially is a good idea. But you should have an idea based on the field and experience what the salary range is. And typically job listings show a salary range.

No salary range in listing. This is a small company (5 person IT staff, 40 person company), so I can't really research the company to find out probable salary. I'll just ask when I speak with them.. don't feel like wasting my time with a real interview if they're not offering a significant pay raise.

May I ask how old you are? How long you've been out of college? It seems like you asked this question, and when people pretty much unanimously responded in a way that you didn't like, you just decided to ignore their advice.

Apparently you knew better than everyone here, if so why did you bother asking the question in the first place?

Also - On the OP, my $0.02:

You NEED to "waste your time" with initial interviews pretty much every single time, unless you're ok with passing on many possible positions because they do not list a salary range up front (and/or tailor the salary range depending on a given candidate's skills/experience). The salary is often not discussed until the 2nd / 3rd interviews, that's just the way things are done. Even though you may think so, You are very likely not special enough to potential employers that you should be an exception to the rule. In this case, your "I don't want to waste my time" attitude will leave you with a lot of missed opportunities, that's for certain.

I'm happy where I'm at, but if I can get a significant pay raise, I'm willing to jump ship. This is what I mean by "waste my time." I'm not changing unless they're paying.

I spoke to them earlier today. Their first question was how much I'm currently making. Sounds like I'm not the only one interested in the money side.

Never ... EVER ... tell a potential employer how much you are currently making. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

What you currently make should have absolutely no influence on what they will potentially offer you, and by you telling them how much you make, it will in turn influence their offer.

I figure I'll just tell them I need a 15-20% raise to consider switching jobs. It's not like I need a new job, I just happened to see the ad and figured I'd give it a shot.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: joshsquall

I figure I'll just tell them I need a 15-20% raise to consider switching jobs. It's not like I need a new job, I just happened to see the ad and figured I'd give it a shot.

Trust me ... don't give them a #

When I went to an interview, the phone screen w/the HR person said they were looking to pay around $65 - $75k. So of course that got my interest.

Then in the interview I told them what I was making with bonuses and what not and I thought all was well.

After the interview the HR person told me that everything went great and that they wanted me to fax them a pay stubb and make sure they were allowed to call some of my references before they did so, so of course I did that.

So a few days later I get a phone call saying they wanted to make me an offer, and that there were some inconsistencies between what I said I made and what was on my pay stubb. I told them in the interview I told them what I make after bonuses and stuff which is why it wasn't exactly the same, and they were like "okay that's understandable." He then said they would email me the official job offer but he explained it to me on the phone as well.

They offered me basically exactly what I'm making now (what im making now + bonuses) as a base salary with potentials for some smaller bonuses.

Of course on the phone I was like thanks thanks, but when I read the official letter I replied saying I'm sorry but that is not even close to what we had initially discussed about salaries and there would be no point to leave my current job if I would be making the same money elsewhere because I'm not unhappy at my current job, I just wanted some more money.

moral of story - do not tell them how much you currently make! it is 100% irrelevant!

in a couple interviews after that, when tey now ask what I make, I tell them "I'm sorry but I feel that is irrevelant at this time" and I've never had a negative response to it. I also never give hard numbers as to what i want to make.

 

[D1gger]

Originally posted by: joshsquall


I figure I'll just tell them I need a 15-20% raise to consider switching jobs. It's not like I need a new job, I just happened to see the ad and figured I'd give it a shot.

From an employer?s perspective, the moment a potential employee made that statement to me in an interview, I would be mentally filing his resume in the trash bin.

I try to only employ people who are interested in; working in a good environment, the challenge of the position, the future potential job growth, and then the money.

If the initial focus is on "I must be paid", then I know that the next time someone offers them an increase across the street, they will be chasing the dollars. I try to make my company a good place to work first, and then make sure that people are paid fairly.

You probably don?t mean it, but in this thread you are coming across as very elitist and egotistical. No employer is likely to want those attributes.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: D1gger

Originally posted by: joshsquall
I figure I'll just tell them I need a 15-20% raise to consider switching jobs. It's not like I need a new job, I just happened to see the ad and figured I'd give it a shot.

From an employer?s perspective, the moment a potential employee made that statement to me in an interview, I would be mentally filing his resume in the trash bin.

I try to only employ people who are interested in; working in a good environment, the challenge of the position, the future potential job growth, and then the money.

If the initial focus is on "I must be paid", then I know that the next time someone offers them an increase across the street, they will be chasing the dollars. I try to make my company a good place to work first, and then make sure that people are paid fairly.

You probably don?t mean it, but in this thread you are coming across as very elitist and egotistical. No employer is likely to want those attributes.

Granted, demanding a 15%-20% raise as incentive to change jobs isn't going to intice any employer. The OP is way way off with his motivations and would be wise just to stay where he's at if he doesn't need a new job, particularly if he is going to make demands of compensation above market like that.
However, and pardon me, but your post is apologist BS. A positive work environment BEGINS with properly and fairly compensated employees. That's why your employees show up to work in the first place. Sorry to break it to you, but people don't go to work for the "challenge of the position" or to "work in a good environment." Those aren't benefits, those are givens, things to be expected. People go to work to get paid. PERIOD. Don't believe me? Do you think any of your employees would keep showing up if you stopped paying them? Hell no, they wouldn't. In fact, they'd sue you, now wouldn't they?

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: D1gger

Originally posted by: joshsquall


I figure I'll just tell them I need a 15-20% raise to consider switching jobs. It's not like I need a new job, I just happened to see the ad and figured I'd give it a shot.

From an employer?s perspective, the moment a potential employee made that statement to me in an interview, I would be mentally filing his resume in the trash bin.

I try to only employ people who are interested in; working in a good environment, the challenge of the position, the future potential job growth, and then the money.

If the initial focus is on "I must be paid", then I know that the next time someone offers them an increase across the street, they will be chasing the dollars. I try to make my company a good place to work first, and then make sure that people are paid fairly.

You probably don?t mean it, but in this thread you are coming across as very elitist and egotistical. No employer is likely to want those attributes.

How am I coming across as elitist and egotistical? I have a job where I'm happy. More money is the only thing that would lure me away. I don't want to waste my time (taking a day off from work, preparing, getting dressed up, driving there, etc.) and their time (preparing to interview me, interview me, decide if they want to hire me) if they aren't going to offer me enough money to make me leave my current job. That isn't elitist or egotistical, that's just logical.