How to decide what salary to ask for based on your experience
If you've been shopping around for a job, whether it's your first or your fifth, you've probably
faced the question dreaded by all job hunters: what sort of salary do you expect to make? This is
a particularly tricky and uncomfortable question for most of us.
For one thing, most people are taught that talking about money is taboo. It's considered rude and
most of us are not comfortable naming a figure. For another, many job seekers aren't quite
certain what to ask for. After all, there are many factors to consider, such as covering household
and personal expenses, types of benefits, plus receiving adequate compensation for experience
and education.
Regardless of your comfort level, salary savvy is an important part of finding a job. After all, if
you accept a job offer that is way too low, you could be setting yourself up for future salary
shortfalls. But how do you figure out what to ask for in the first place?
The salary you make is based primarily on three factors: location, education and experience.
Location is important because companies often figure their standard salaries based upon the
local cost of living. Education is also important. Formal training in your field is often extremely
valuable, and certain fields, such as engineering and academics, require that you have at least a
bachelor's degree, if not a graduate degree, in order to be considered. In fact, according to
statistics, people who hold a graduate degree receive almost 44 percent more money than those
without one.
However, the most important factor in salary calculation is experience. No matter how much
formal education you have in any given field, application of that knowledge through experience
in the workplace is far more valuable than abstract training. After all, knowing something
intellectually is one thing. But applying that knowledge to the real world is quite another. So,
taking your level of experience into consideration when deciding what to ask for is especially
vital. But how do you do it? How do you know how much you're worth?
1. Do a self-evaluation. How much experience do you really have in your area of expertise?
Do you have a relevant degree? Can you point to concrete successes and projects you've
handled at your last job?. If they're relevant to the job you're applying for, they should be
added to your experience.
2. What is the going rate for the job in your area?
3. What type of salary is the company willing to offer? Although you might think it's rude
to ask, the only way you're going to find this information is if you inquire, so if you're
pressed to give a figure on your salary expectations, counter with a diplomaticallyphrased question about the company's budget for your position.
© Careers in Motion 2011 • www.careersinmotion.co.za
4. Consider other forms of compensation. If a company has offered you a job, but is unable
to pay you a salary that reflects your experience, don't write them off just yet. There are
ways a business can pay its employees other than money. For example, consider
negotiating for perks or, flexi time. If you have children, the latter can be especially
valuable.
Finding a good job is often difficult. Finding a decent job that pays you what you're worth is
even harder. You might find it very helpful to keep a running list of your accomplishments in
the workplace so you can pinpoint your successes and demonstrate concrete examples of your
success.
Regardless of how much experience you have, though, remain professional at all times.
Remember, whether you've been in an industry for five months or five years, you're not exempt
from scrutiny, so don't assume that because you have more experience than any candidate,
you're a dead cert for the job. Most interviewers will remember your professional demeanor
better than they'll remember the details of your resume.
© Careers in Motion 2011 • www.careersinmotion.co.za